Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS)
An SDMS captures, catalogues and archives the raw files instruments produce, so data remains retrievable and intact long after the analyst has moved on.
What an SDMS typically does
- Collects raw files automatically from instrument workstations
- Adds metadata and context so files can be found later
- Stores data in a controlled, backed-up and auditable repository
- Provides retrieval and viewing without the original software in some cases
- Supports retention schedules and legal or regulatory record keeping
- Reduces reliance on individual instrument PCs and local drives
What to evaluate
- Which instrument and file types are supported out of the box
- How capture works — agent, watched folder or integration
- Metadata model and searchability
- Long-term readability strategy for proprietary formats
- Storage growth, cost and archiving tiers
- Integration with LIMS and ELN so data is linked to samples and experiments
- Data integrity, audit trail and retention controls
How we treat vendor information
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