Labstat Case Study: How Custom Software Transformed Laboratory Information Management

Labstat, a leading nicotine product testing laboratory and part of Certified Group, needed to move away from inefficient, manual data management. Their teams relied heavily on complex spreadsheets and outdated systems that created bottlenecks, risked compliance issues, and limited scalability.

Over a long-standing partnership, ISU Corp built a fully customized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) tailored to Labstat’s specific workflows. This secure, intuitive, and automated system now powers everything from sample tracking to invoicing, dramatically improving productivity, compliance, and access to information. ISU Corp continues to support and enhance the platform as Labstat grows globally under Certified Group.

About Labstat

Labstat is a globally recognized analytical testing lab specializing in nicotine, cannabis, and tobacco product testing. With decades of experience and a commitment to scientific excellence, Labstat plays a critical role in helping clients meet strict regulatory standards.

As part of Certified Group, Labstat supports a wide range of health and safety testing operations across North America.

Fast Facts:

• Founded in 1976

• Acquired by Certified Group in 2021

• Serves clients in over 30 countries

• Specializes in chemical and toxicology testing, compliance, and quality control

The Challenge

Before partnering with ISU Corp, Labstat’s internal operations relied on a mix of Excel spreadsheets and a legacy database. This made day-to-day tasks:

• Time-consuming and inefficient

• Prone to human error and data silos

• Difficult to scale across teams and labs

Information retrieval was dependent on a few key individuals who knew how to navigate the old systems. As Labstat grew, it became clear that they needed a robust, centralized solution to support lab efficiency, traceability, and compliance.

What Labstat Needed:

• Custom automation for managing sample intake, chain of custody, and test workflows

• A centralized LIMS platform to eliminate spreadsheet chaos and improve collaboration

• Secure user access and digital audit trails to meet strict regulatory requirements

• Integrated invoicing and reporting tools for full workflow visibility

• Scalability to support future lab expansions and growing client demands

The Solution: A Fully Custom LIMS Built by ISU Corp

ISU Corp worked closely with Labstat to design and implement a custom Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) built from the ground up to match the lab’s real-world workflows.

Key Features:

• Web-based Client Order Interface: Clients can submit and track orders online

• Automated Chain of Custody & Sample Tracking: Maintains data integrity and traceability

• Built-in Quotation, Worksheet, Invoicing, and Reporting Modules: Replaces fragmented processes

• Security & Compliance: Includes role-based access, digital signatures, audit logs, and full traceability

• Scalable Multi-Tenant Architecture: Supports Labstat’s expansion into new locations and service lines

ISU Corp continues to enhance and support the platform to ensure it evolves with Labstat’s operational and regulatory needs.

The Results

✔ Increased productivity, with more workflows handled in less time

✔ Eliminated spreadsheet chaos, improving efficiency and accessibility

✔ Improved compliance and traceability, backed by full auditability

✔ Greater visibility across teams, from sample intake to invoicing

✔ Scalable system architecture, supporting global expansion under Certified Group

Labstat continues to rely on ISU Corp for ongoing development and support, reinforcing the value of a long-term partnership with a trusted technology partner.

Why Custom Software Matters for Laboratories

Off-the-shelf systems often fall short for specialized labs that require strict compliance, unique workflows, and high traceability. By investing in custom software tailored to its operations, Labstat eliminated manual inefficiencies and built a platform that grows with their business.

In highly regulated industries like health testing and lab science, a custom LIMS can mean the difference between smooth compliance or falling behind. ISU Corp’s deep experience in building secure, scalable, and intuitive lab platforms makes us the go-to partner for labs that want to modernize.

Ready to Modernize Your Lab Operations?

ISU Corp specializes in building custom LIMS platforms and lab automation tools for regulated industries. Whether you’re looking to eliminate spreadsheets, improve traceability, or scale your lab operations, we can help.

Let’s transform your lab. Contact ISU Corp today to learn how our software solutions can support your compliance and growth.

How the Waterfall Methodology Promotes Productivity in Software Development Teams

For years the Waterfall methodology has supported software development projects. Some may consider it outdated with the sheer complexity of most projects and the flexibility required in the modern day. Of course, now agile approaches are very popular, and it could be argued that they were developed to get away from Waterfall altogether. If you’re unfamiliar with the key differences between the two, all you need to know is that agile releases software in increments whereas Waterfall has a strict process leading to a final output followed by verification and maintenance.

Agile was created to put an end to the common notion among project managers who believed Waterfall to be the only approach for software development. In reality, all methods are simply guidelines for problem-solving. Waterfall was super popular in the 1990s since it added structure to huge software development projects. The structure looks something like this:

1. Planning: Identify the goals of the project. This is also where the project manager needs to figure out the requirements for the project. These requirements will depend on the project sponsor's needs and involve identifying risks, dependencies, assumptions, costs, quality metrics, and the timeline. 

2. Design: This is where all decisions are put in writing. The decisions are, in this case, based on legitimizing the requirements for the project. In this phase, you’ll outline the project's goals, budget, and schedule.

3. Implement: This is where you execute the planning and design phase to materialize the product. This is a critical part of the Waterfall; everything done during this phase must be tracked.

4. Verify and Test: During this phase, testing is done to ensure that the product you’ve created serves the requirements of the project. If anything goes wrong, the team must go back as far as the first phase to identify what happened. Quality metrics are used during the testing phase to ensure the client's satisfaction. 

5. Maintenance: The maintenance phase goes past project management and now focuses on the product's longevity. Changes are made as needed to improve what was delivered in the implementation phase.

Let's make it clear that the Waterfall— like any other methodology— is not perfect, but it’s often enough to get the job done and still is. A 2017 study shows over 50% of organizations still use it in their software implementation model. The key to a great software development team is knowing what calls to make in the best interest of your team. Sometimes these calls are going to fall outside the scope of convenience to reach an optimal outcome. 

So, why were other methods created?

One of the primary concerns with the Waterfall method is that a mistake made in an early phase could be costly and detrimental later on. All methodologies are meant to add structure to software development. In 2022, it’s all about speed; whether it's deployment, access to data, or SSL performance, the list is endless. The point is, this is the purpose that agile methods were created to serve. It provides results quickly and continuously innovates to adapt to the needs of the user. 

When would you use Waterfall?

You have to first consider how different every software development project is. There is seldom a product output that doesn’t require changes. In addition, development teams need to make their budget and timelines clear to the client or co-workers from elsewhere. These are the kind of issues Waterfall takes care of since it has a very clear structure. Now, this may frustrate developers who want to interact with the client as much as possible, but it can be a necessary sacrifice to ensure quality over quick deliverables.

Another example is when persuading outside your project, whether attracting investors, seeking department approval or if you think there will be collateral effects. Waterfall can be easier for those outside to understand. Think about it: your intentions for the project are clearly outlined from the planning and design phases which, in effect, kind of drill the end goal into the teams' vision and mitigate the risk of deviating. 

For teams and projects on a small scale, there are a lot of benefits to be found in operating under this kind of focus. Teams can complete the project faster without worrying about allocating time and resources to non-priorities. So, in this instance, working on a small project or in a small team means you’ll need a framework that promotes communication among members and a clear-cut process. 

Waterfall and communication

Waterfall is very systematic and procedural; there should be no shock that communication would be an essential part of every step. Information sharing is far more efficient when documentation is consistent throughout the process. Anyone new brought into the project throughout the phases will be able to refer back to the documentation which makes Waterfall a great communication tool to keep the team in sync. 

In some cases, especially with new teams, communication and getting to know each other can be difficult and negatively impact performance. Of course, this should be mitigated in the case of any team but software development projects are usually operating in a condensed time frame with little to no room for speed bumps. 

So with that being said, take inventory before your team begins a new project. You can do this by considering these questions:

• Who are the stakeholders? How can my efforts serve them?

• Is my team reliable? Do I plan on bringing in extra help?

• What is the primary end goal?

• How much time and budget do we have to work with?

• How will we manage mistakes to not interrupt our end goals?

It’s very difficult to predict the road ahead when beginning a new project, but it will help to first Identify your requirements so you can meet that of the client’s. What hurts a lot of teams is communication barriers and a lack of transparency. 

The Takeaway

Finding the best route to take when beginning a new project is difficult, but choosing a framework that’s right for the team (not just developers) will make the process smoother. The planning stages are usually the most difficult, but when that is the case, execution is often far more efficient. If you’re new to the concept of software development, it likely sounds chaotic, which is why it is so important to work with an experienced team of professionals that can see through the chaos and bring a polished product to the table. 

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

What is Peer-to-Peer Lending?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is facing a transition in its adoption and growth conquest. It has passed the skeptic introduction phase and become a mainstream financial tool. P2P lending is typically used to offer government-supported loans, supporting small and mid-sized entrepreneurs, while dodging inflation on investment returns. 

To understand how these benefits are possible you’ll first need to understand how P2P lending works. Essentially it can be broken down to technology that lets people acquire loans while eliminating the need for financial institutions to act as the middleman. It is a direct transaction between individuals which has sparked the usage of alternate terms “crowd lending” or “social lending”. 

As you’ve likely guessed, this assumes a high level of risk, particularly for those investing in the lending site. This burden is typically taken on by the institutions but in peer-to-peer, it is now placed on the individual. So why would someone even consider putting themselves in that position? 

The major incentive for going the P2P route is to avoid the high-interest rates that traditional institutions or investors would instill. In this case, small businesses can access loans while minimizing how much interest is taxed. Lending platforms then take a fee from investors and borrowers and that is how they make their money. 

This begs the question, why would someone invest in a peer-to-peer lending site as opposed to a typical GIC? Well, most investors look to diversify their portfolio and avoid the marginal rate and withholding taxes found with banks. Additionally, some investors just like to know who their money is going to and what it’s being used for.

Security of investing in P2P sites

In the case of peer-to-peer lending, investors certainly bear more burden than the borrower. These loans aren’t insured nor do they have any government protection which makes them risky just like any other investment. However, here are some components that ensure some level of security for investors:

• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): This protocol is built to transmit communications between the user and the network securely. The SSL link will be encrypted between the server and the browser and only permit interaction once authentication is established. Instant messaging platform WhatsApp is an example of SSL encryption and authentication in action. 

• Protecting identities: SSL authenticates the server and the client in peer-to-peer platforms. Typically, SSL doesn’t operate on the client end but for these platforms, it’s just easier to have authentication be transparent. The encryption aspect is what locks down the data and privacy.

• Recent FCA regulation: In the United Kingdom, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) implemented new guidelines to tighten up the peer-to-peer lending sector. These guidelines are designed to protect investors. Among many features, outlining contingencies and policies for both parties as well as determining the competencies of users are included. They highlight the situation investors are getting into very clearly and this is likely the beginning of a global trend for FinTech platform security measures.

Why are people choosing P2P?

As we’ve examined and outlined, borrowers have less pressure with these funds which offers them flexibility. Lenders can have more in their pocket post-return than they would be going through a bank that uses marginal rates determined by your tax bracket. Whereas peer-to-peer lending platforms charge a 2-3% payment processing fee directly from your credit or debit. However, depending on your individual financial history, poor credit ratings could mean more fees and in some cases, disapproval of the loan. 

What’s in it for businesses?

Businesses need funding whether it’s to launch a campaign, bring on more staff, more resources, etc. The point is businesses take investments and re-invest them in themselves. Commonly this is done by bank loans to get off the ground but they often come with a lot of strings which is why a company would turn to a FinTech like P2P. Additionally, the loan can come quickly and you can pay them off early and even avoid penalties on an overpayment.

Is there a promising future for P2P?

Investments are at the forefront, a lot of people want flexibility and something that’s going to be beneficial in the long term rather than just make a quick return. In addition to this, there is an ever-growing number of startups that need funding to get over hurdles. Peer-to-peer is very with the times in its approach in that it offers what consumers are looking for. Flexibility, transparency, and saving costs, all of which will contribute to the sustainability of the service.

The performance of peer-to-peer lending has been phenomenal in terms of revenue, Canada alone has valued the market at $20 billion in 2021. Globally, it sits at almost $113 billion with projections to do well over $520 billion in the next 5 years. As a FinTech company, if you’re not looking into how you can deliver this service, there is a lot of cash you could be leaving on the table. 

The Takeaway

FinTech services branch far beyond online banking, every service provider is looking for new methodologies to make it easier and more efficient for consumers. At the end of the day, ideas like peer-to-peer lending or BNPL are going to be the major draws to the business. When taking this journey, make sure you’re developing your programs with the right software as that can make or break your products' sustainability. 

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.