Quick Overview
- 1#1: iLab Operations Software - Comprehensive cloud-based platform for core facility management, including equipment scheduling, service requests, billing, and advanced reporting.
- 2#2: Cores by Clustermarket - Integrated online booking and resource management system for shared scientific equipment in core facilities.
- 3#3: eLabNext - Digital lab platform combining LIMS, ELN, and equipment scheduling to streamline core facility operations.
- 4#4: Labguru - All-in-one lab management software with inventory tracking, ELN, and resource booking for core facilities.
- 5#5: Quartzy - Lab productivity tool for inventory management, procurement, and equipment reservations in shared facilities.
- 6#6: Labstep - Flexible lab management platform with equipment booking, protocols, and inventory for core research labs.
- 7#7: Benchling - Cloud-based R&D platform supporting request workflows, collaboration, and data management for core services.
- 8#8: Sapio LIMS - Unified LIMS and ELN solution designed for complex sample workflows and core facility automation.
- 9#9: LabKey Server - Open platform for data integration, assay management, and collaboration in research core facilities.
- 10#10: STARLIMS - Robust LIMS system providing workflow management, quality control, and reporting for core laboratories.
We evaluated these tools based on feature depth, user-friendliness, technical reliability, and value, ensuring alignment with the diverse needs of research, education, and industrial core facilities.
Comparison Table
Core facility management software is essential for enhancing efficiency, coordination, and tracking in lab and research environments. This comparison table features tools like iLab Operations Software, Cores by Clustermarket, eLabNext, Labguru, Quartzy and more, breaking down their key functionalities, integration strengths, and user experience. Readers will gain a clear overview to identify the best fit for their facility's specific needs and operational objectives.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iLab Operations Software Comprehensive cloud-based platform for core facility management, including equipment scheduling, service requests, billing, and advanced reporting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Cores by Clustermarket Integrated online booking and resource management system for shared scientific equipment in core facilities. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | eLabNext Digital lab platform combining LIMS, ELN, and equipment scheduling to streamline core facility operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Labguru All-in-one lab management software with inventory tracking, ELN, and resource booking for core facilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Quartzy Lab productivity tool for inventory management, procurement, and equipment reservations in shared facilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Labstep Flexible lab management platform with equipment booking, protocols, and inventory for core research labs. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | Benchling Cloud-based R&D platform supporting request workflows, collaboration, and data management for core services. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Sapio LIMS Unified LIMS and ELN solution designed for complex sample workflows and core facility automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | LabKey Server Open platform for data integration, assay management, and collaboration in research core facilities. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | STARLIMS Robust LIMS system providing workflow management, quality control, and reporting for core laboratories. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based platform for core facility management, including equipment scheduling, service requests, billing, and advanced reporting.
Integrated online booking and resource management system for shared scientific equipment in core facilities.
Digital lab platform combining LIMS, ELN, and equipment scheduling to streamline core facility operations.
All-in-one lab management software with inventory tracking, ELN, and resource booking for core facilities.
Lab productivity tool for inventory management, procurement, and equipment reservations in shared facilities.
Flexible lab management platform with equipment booking, protocols, and inventory for core research labs.
Cloud-based R&D platform supporting request workflows, collaboration, and data management for core services.
Unified LIMS and ELN solution designed for complex sample workflows and core facility automation.
Open platform for data integration, assay management, and collaboration in research core facilities.
Robust LIMS system providing workflow management, quality control, and reporting for core laboratories.
iLab Operations Software
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based platform for core facility management, including equipment scheduling, service requests, billing, and advanced reporting.
The integrated Service Marketplace, enabling users to discover, request, and track services across multiple cores in a user-friendly, e-commerce-like interface.
iLab Operations Software, provided by Agilent Technologies, is a leading cloud-based platform tailored for core facility management in research institutions. It centralizes service requests, instrument scheduling, inventory tracking, billing, and reporting to optimize resource utilization and operational efficiency. With robust integrations and analytics, it supports thousands of facilities worldwide in streamlining workflows from request to recharge.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end workflow management including scheduling, billing, and inventory
- Powerful analytics and reporting for financial transparency and utilization insights
- Extensive integrations with LIMS, procurement systems, and lab instruments
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or single-facility operations
- Initial configuration and data migration require significant setup time
- Advanced customizations often need support from Agilent
Best For
Large academic institutions and research organizations managing multiple core facilities that require scalable, integrated operations and billing automation.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on number of facilities, users, and services; typically starts at several thousand dollars annually per facility—contact sales for quotes.
Cores by Clustermarket
specializedIntegrated online booking and resource management system for shared scientific equipment in core facilities.
Marketplace-style discovery portal that lets researchers browse and book across multiple cores in one intuitive interface
Cores by Clustermarket is a cloud-based platform tailored for managing shared research core facilities, enabling seamless online booking of equipment, services, and training sessions. It streamlines operations with features like automated scheduling, user authentication via institutional SSO, billing integration, and real-time inventory tracking. The software provides comprehensive reporting and analytics to help facility managers optimize usage and revenue.
Pros
- Intuitive, scientist-friendly booking interface reduces training time
- Strong integrations with calendars, SSO, and payment systems
- Excellent scalability for multi-core facilities with robust analytics
Cons
- Pricing can escalate for large institutions with many users
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to enterprise rivals
- Advanced reporting requires add-ons or custom development
Best For
Mid-to-large academic or research institutions seeking a user-centric platform for multi-core facility scheduling and management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500/month for small facilities, scaling with users/cores up to several thousand for enterprises.
eLabNext
enterpriseDigital lab platform combining LIMS, ELN, and equipment scheduling to streamline core facility operations.
Unified platform combining ELN, LIMS, and core facility management with automated workflows and real-time instrument booking
eLabNext is a comprehensive cloud-based laboratory information management system (LIMS) designed to streamline sample tracking, inventory management, and experimental workflows for research labs and core facilities. It integrates electronic lab notebooks (ELN), resource scheduling, service request handling, and automated billing, making it suitable for shared core facilities like genomics or imaging centers. The platform emphasizes compliance, data security, and scalability to support multi-user environments in academia and industry.
Pros
- Robust integration of LIMS, ELN, and inventory management
- Dedicated core facility tools for scheduling, bookings, and invoicing
- Strong compliance features including audit trails and GDPR support
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with additional modules and users
- Initial setup and customization require significant configuration time
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to desktop experience
Best For
Mid-to-large academic or biotech core facilities needing an all-in-one platform for sample management, resource scheduling, and billing.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with users, modules, and storage (contact for quote).
Labguru
enterpriseAll-in-one lab management software with inventory tracking, ELN, and resource booking for core facilities.
Unified ELN and core facility dashboard for end-to-end experiment and resource lifecycle management
Labguru is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that integrates electronic lab notebooks (ELN) with core facility management tools, facilitating instrument scheduling, service requests, inventory tracking, and billing for shared research resources. It supports customizable workflows, compliance with standards like 21 CFR Part 11, and real-time collaboration across teams. Designed for academic and biotech core facilities, it streamlines operations from experiment planning to data analysis and reporting.
Pros
- Robust instrument scheduling and real-time booking calendar
- Integrated ELN for seamless experiment-to-billing workflow
- Strong inventory and compliance management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Pricing can be high for smaller facilities
- Fewer native integrations with specialized core facility instruments
Best For
Mid-to-large academic or research core facilities requiring integrated ELN, scheduling, and billing in a single platform.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $100-200 per user/month depending on modules and scale.
Quartzy
specializedLab productivity tool for inventory management, procurement, and equipment reservations in shared facilities.
Seamless integration with 1,800+ vendors via the Quartzy Marketplace for automated procurement and reorder alerts
Quartzy is a cloud-based lab management platform designed to streamline inventory tracking, procurement, equipment scheduling, and service requests for research labs and core facilities. It enables core facilities to manage shared resources through self-service booking calendars, service request portals, and automated invoicing. The software integrates with hundreds of vendors for seamless purchasing and provides real-time visibility into lab supplies and usage.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with mobile access
- Excellent inventory management and vendor integrations
- Solid equipment scheduling and service request tools
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller facilities
- Limited advanced customization for complex core workflows
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to specialists
Best For
Mid-sized academic or research core facilities needing integrated inventory, procurement, and basic scheduling without heavy customization.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; free for basic inventory, paid plans start around $100/user/month or $500+/month for core facility features.
Labstep
specializedFlexible lab management platform with equipment booking, protocols, and inventory for core research labs.
Seamless linking of experiment protocols to equipment bookings and resource orders
Labstep is an open-source laboratory management platform designed to streamline core facility operations, including equipment booking, inventory tracking, service requests, and experiment documentation. It enables shared resource management with user permissions, order fulfillment workflows, and basic usage reporting for billing. While versatile for collaborative research environments, it combines ELN functionalities with resource scheduling to support efficient core facility workflows.
Pros
- Open-source and highly customizable for self-hosting
- Integrated equipment booking and inventory management
- Modern, intuitive interface with collaborative tools
Cons
- Billing and invoicing features are basic compared to dedicated solutions
- Limited native integrations with specialized lab instruments
- Advanced reporting requires custom setup
Best For
Small to mid-sized academic core facilities needing a cost-effective, flexible platform for scheduling and inventory without complex enterprise billing.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted edition; cloud plans start at $99/month for teams (usage-based scaling available).
Benchling
enterpriseCloud-based R&D platform supporting request workflows, collaboration, and data management for core services.
Molecular Biology Registry for centralized tracking of plasmids, proteins, and cell lines with lineage and metadata
Benchling is a cloud-based life sciences R&D platform that combines electronic lab notebooks (ELN), sample and inventory management, protocol design, and collaboration tools to streamline research workflows. For core facility management, it excels in tracking reagents, plasmids, and samples via its molecular registry, enabling efficient resource sharing and data standardization across users. While customizable, it requires configuration for core-specific needs like service requests, falling short of dedicated core facility software in instrument scheduling and automated billing.
Pros
- Powerful sample tracking and molecular registry for biological materials
- Real-time collaboration and protocol sharing for multi-user facilities
- Highly customizable workflows and integrations with lab instruments
Cons
- Lacks built-in instrument booking calendars and automated scheduling
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for smaller core facilities
- Steep learning curve for non-R&D users to set up facility-specific processes
Best For
Molecular biology or genomics core facilities prioritizing data management, inventory tracking, and team collaboration over advanced booking and billing automation.
Pricing
Free for individuals/small teams; Pro plans start at ~$100/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing often $10K+ annually for facilities.
Sapio LIMS
enterpriseUnified LIMS and ELN solution designed for complex sample workflows and core facility automation.
Polaris OS no-code platform enabling drag-and-drop customization of workflows without IT dependency
Sapio LIMS is a flexible, enterprise-grade Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from Sapio Life Sciences, tailored for core facilities in life sciences research. It excels in sample lifecycle management, instrument scheduling, automated workflows, and billing for shared resources. The platform integrates ELN capabilities and supports multi-omics data handling, ensuring compliance with standards like 21 CFR Part 11.
Pros
- Exceptional customization via no-code/low-code Polaris OS platform
- Seamless instrument and system integrations for core facility operations
- Robust billing, scheduling, and analytics modules for multi-user environments
Cons
- Steep initial setup and configuration learning curve
- Higher cost suitable mainly for mid-to-large facilities
- Overly complex for basic core facility needs
Best For
Mid-to-large academic or research core facilities managing complex, high-volume workflows across multiple users and instruments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; modular subscriptions typically start at $50,000+ annually depending on users, modules, and deployment (cloud or on-prem).
LabKey Server
enterpriseOpen platform for data integration, assay management, and collaboration in research core facilities.
Schema-driven assay management for flexible, protocol-specific data capture and advanced analysis pipelines
LabKey Server is a comprehensive data management platform designed for life sciences research, enabling core facilities to integrate, store, analyze, and share complex datasets from instruments and assays. It supports sample tracking, workflow automation, collaboration, and compliance features like audit trails for regulated environments. Particularly strong in omics data handling, it serves as a flexible LIMS/ELN hybrid for high-throughput core operations.
Pros
- Powerful data integration from diverse instruments and file types
- Highly customizable modules for assays, studies, and workflows
- Robust security, compliance tools, and scalability for large datasets
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring IT expertise
- Interface can feel dated and less intuitive for non-technical users
- Enterprise features locked behind premium licensing and support costs
Best For
Core facilities in genomics, proteomics, or imaging that generate massive datasets and need advanced integration and analysis capabilities.
Pricing
Free community edition; enterprise subscriptions start at ~$10,000/year with custom pricing based on users, storage, and support.
STARLIMS
enterpriseRobust LIMS system providing workflow management, quality control, and reporting for core laboratories.
No-code/low-code configuration engine for rapid workflow customization without extensive programming
STARLIMS is a robust Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) designed for comprehensive lab operations, including sample lifecycle management, automated workflows, and quality control in regulated environments. For core facility management, it supports instrument scheduling, resource tracking, billing integration, and user access controls, making it suitable for high-throughput research facilities. Its enterprise-grade scalability handles complex, multi-site operations but requires significant customization.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and modules tailored to lab processes
- Strong integration with lab instruments, ERP systems, and analytics tools
- Excellent compliance features for regulated environments like GLP/GMP
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High cost with lengthy implementation timelines
- Overkill for small-scale core facilities with simple needs
Best For
Large academic or research institutions with high-volume, regulated core facilities needing scalable enterprise LIMS functionality.
Pricing
Enterprise custom pricing; typically subscription-based starting at $50,000+ annually, depending on modules, users, and deployment.
Conclusion
The reviewed software reflects cutting-edge solutions for core facility management, with iLab Operations Software emerging as the top choice, praised for its all-encompassing platform that integrates scheduling, billing, and advanced reporting. Cores by Clustermarket and eLabNext follow closely, offering tailored strengths in booking and LIMS-ELN integration, making them strong alternatives for varied needs.
To optimize core facility operations, consider starting with iLab Operations Software—its comprehensive features provide a solid foundation for efficiency, collaboration, and growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison