A Modular Solution Concept for Self-Configurable Electronic Lab Notebooks: Systematic Theoretical Demonstration and Validation Across Diverse Digital Platforms

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Abstract

The increasing complexity and digitization of scientific research require Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) that are adaptable, sustainable, and compliant across heterogeneous laboratory environments. In response to the limitations of proprietary, inflexible, and cost-intensive ELN solutions, this study systematically derives comprehensive requirements and proposes a modular solution concept for self-configurable ELNs that is explicitly platform-agnostic and broadly accessible. The methodological approach combines a structured requirements analysis with a modular architectural design, followed by theoretical validation through stepwise implementation walkthroughs on Microsoft SharePoint and Google Workspace. These walkthroughs demonstrate the feasibility of deploying self-configurable ELN modules using widely available low-code/no-code tools and native platform extensibility mechanisms. Based on a rigorous literature-driven analysis, key requirements, including modularity, usability, regulatory compliance, interoperability, scalability, auditability, and cost efficiency, are explicitly mapped to concrete architectural features within the proposed framework. The results show that essential ELN functionalities can, in principle, be realized across diverse digital platforms, enabling researchers and local administrators to independently assemble, configure, and adapt ELNs to their specific operational and regulatory contexts. Beyond technical feasibility, the proposed approach fundamentally democratizes ELN deployment and substantially mitigates vendor lock-in by leveraging existing digital infrastructures. Identified limitations, particularly with respect to advanced workflow orchestration and real-time data integration, delineate clear directions for future development. Overall, this work provides a systematic theoretical validation of a modular, self-configurable ELN concept, establishing it as a robust, scalable, and future-ready foundation for digital laboratory infrastructures.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer462
Seitenumfang49
FachzeitschriftApplied Sciences : open access journal
Jahrgang16
Ausgabenummer1
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 1 Jan. 2026
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

ORCID /0009-0009-9342-629X/work/201622038
ORCID /0000-0001-7540-4235/work/201622915

Schlagworte

Forschungsprofillinien der TU Dresden

DFG-Fachsystematik nach Fachkollegium

Fächergruppen, Lehr- und Forschungsbereiche, Fachgebiete nach Destatis

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Schlagwörter

  • electronic lab notebook, modular architecture, self-configuration, digital platform, workflow automation, regulatory compliance, platform-agnostic solution, low-code, research data management, interoperability