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

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

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

Original languageEnglish
Article number462
Number of pages49
JournalApplied Sciences : open access journal
Volume16
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0009-0009-9342-629X/work/201622038
ORCID /0000-0001-7540-4235/work/201622915
Scopus 105027295465

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

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