Laboratory Information Management Systems for Electron Microscopy: Evaluation of the 4CeeD Data Curation Platform

An evaluation of the feasibility and the requirements associated with a facility-wide deployment of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) at an electron microscopy facility was conducted. The study specifically focused on 4CeeD, an open-source LIMS. This report summarizes essential data infrastructure prerequisites, as well as critical and desirable features concerning the implementation, while also detailing lessons learned from user interactions with 4CeeD. The findings highlight the broad recommendations for adopting LIMS in such facilities to optimize data handling and management practices. By addressing the complexities and variabilities of electron microscope data—including diverse types and sizes—the report provides key insights into improving data management strategies. The evaluation promotes a structured approach for future LIMS implementations in electron microscopy environments, emphasizing the potential benefits of a comprehensive system to streamline data processing and enhance research outcomes.