Information Technology what prices? And finally the support of physical interfaces has to be ascertained: are popular interface protocols such as HL7/IHE or ASTM used and how are they integrated in the lab instruments on the practical level. Programming customized device interfaces is the core business of most vendors and can over the course of the years amount to several thousand euros per analyzer – a significant position in the budget. The interface issue is also relevant in terms of background pro- cesses such as billing and controlling or external communication with physicians’ offices to exchange order data and results. Functional criteria Many of the modules listed in the table under “Functions” are now being offered by every vendor. Nevertheless it does make sense to look into the procedures and review how they are controlled by master data and parameters. Today it is important to consider that many lab workflows have to meet certain standards. Quality management standards or ISO 15189, 17025 or even ISO 22870 for POCT are more or less obvious; others such as GMP for blood donations or those for own blood donations are less well known. FEATURE EXPL ANATION Size, financial position Number of permanent and freelance staff, revenue, core business Continuity, accountability / responsibility Type of company, year of incorporation, guarantees, ISO certification Reference customers Number, size, scope, reputation Customer testimonials Adherence to deadlines and delivery schedules, keeping promises, commitment of the staff, cooperation with manufacturers of instruments, LIS and HIS Soft skills Personality and competence of the vendor’s staff during a conversation Implementation concept Is it comprehensible? volume, visualization of the solution Service Training Architecture Hardware Software Response time Hotline, response time, availability of specialists Documents, online support, on-site training, seminars Client-server architecture, periphery, central master data server Central computer, PC network, terminals, printers, storage space, operating system Data base, data protection / privacy concept and confirmations, use of standard software, customization of parameters (by user) Depending on volume of data in the database, number of web connections and online users (particularly relevant for multi-site facilities) Maintenance contracts Type and scope, hardware, software, remote access License policy Modules Online devices, database, multiple installations (campus license), pay-per-use (instead of purchase) Clinical chemistry, microbiology, blood bank, pathology, billing, order entry, automation and control Data protection / privacy concept Permission-based, controlling access to patient data (e.g. lab values) Tracking Compliance Search and sort functions, order status and sample tracking RiLi-BÄK (in Germany), ISO 15189, ISO 17025, ISO 22870, GMP, etc. Master data management Data maintenance, parameters, copying, use of legacy data, across modules Order entry and capturing of results Keyboard, card reader, order entry, material ID, different bar codes, device interfaces Quality control RiLi-BÄK (Germany), Westgard, other quality systems, visualization Technical and medical validation Autovalidation, rules, alarms, automated repeat measurements, visualization Reading Billing Archiving Statistics Sort criteria for orders and lab, rules systems, ICD codes, footnotes in identical texts Multi-client capability, service portfolio, accrued accounts Procedure, duration, access, reactivation, archiving of image data Saved and spontaneous queries, SQL assistant, export to standard software Configurability Adaptation of software and user screens to the on-site situation Internal communication Link to HIS and departments/wards, POCT devices, decentral printers, standard interfaces can be configured (HL7, IHE, LDT, ASTM) External communication Link to other hospitals, specialist physician labs, lab groups hardware Existing data Use of existing printers, scanners, PC, receipt readers Use of legacy data, retaining the identification logic Y N A P M O C T C U D O R P Y T I L A N O I T C N U F N O I T A R G E T N I S Costs Acquisition costs incl. commissioning, database, operating costs T L U S E R Own contributions Which contributions are required (configuration, AP computer, preparation of hardware and server), database license, training by in-house staff Costs over a period of five years These costs indicate whether a Europe-wide tender is required Figure 1: Checklist for the selection of a lab information management system LABBOOK 2018 77