How Helix Replaced a Legacy LIMS with Labbit to Enable Scalable, High-Performance Laboratory Operations

For several years, Helix managed its next-generation sequencing (NGS) laboratory processes using a legacy, on-premises LIMS, working with Semaphore Solutions to maintain and extend the system as assays evolved. Supporting complex workflows required extensive customization, often introducing additional steps that slowed turnaround times and impacted technician efficiency. 

As operations grew more sophisticated and testing volumes increased - reaching up to 100,000 PCR tests per day during COVID - the system's limitations became more apparent. Even with ongoing reconfiguration, the monolithic infrastructure was not designed to support the scale and flexibility required for high-throughput testing and evolving genomic workflows. 

As Helix shifted beyond COVID testing toward scaled population genomics and expansion into diagnostics and pharmacogenomics, the need for a more adaptable platform became more pressing. 

Tyler was responsible for identifying a solution that could support both current requirements and future growth. With prior experience working with LIMS platforms and familiarity with Helix's operations, he led the evaluation process.

Complex Workflow Modeling

Helix had developed a highly customized NGS workflow that included automated liquid handling integrations, advanced rework paths, and optimization logic. In their previous system, modeling these workflows required extensive backend programming over multiple years. 

Labbit uses business process modeling notation (BPMN) to represent workflows visually, allowing complex processes to be defined using structured logic and reusable components. 

During implementation, Helix was able to model a workflow in Labbit that had previously required years of custom development, providing early validation of the platform's ability to support their operational requirements. 

Supporting Evolving Laboratory Requirements

Laboratory workflows, particularly in genomics, are continuously evolving. Many LIMS platforms are built around fixed process stuctures, making modification difficult without significant development effort
Given Helix's shifting business focus, it was important that their LIMS could adapt to changing requirements over time. 

Labbit is built on a knowledge graph datat base architecture, which allows data models to evolve without requiding ridig scheme changes. This enables the systems to accommodate changes in workflows and data structure as laboratory processes develop

Consolidation laboratory Informatics Functions

Labbit uses an entity-centric data model, allowing key laboratory elements—such as samples, personnel, reagents, controls, equipment, and assays—to be represented within a single system. 

Combined with flexible workflow capabilities, this approach enables multiple laboratory functions to be managed within one platform. As a result, Helix was able to reduce reliance on separate systems and consolidate aspects of their laboratory operations.

Improving Efficiency and Throughput

As Helix expanded into clinical and diagnostic applications, improving laboratory efficiency and turnaround time became increasingly important. 

Labbit's configurable platform enables automation of manual steps and supports the execution of complex workflows in parallel. Deployed in the cloud, the system provides the performance and reliability required to operate at scale without the maintenance overhead of on-premises infrastructure. 

"Moving into physician-ordered testing, there's more of a focus on turnaround time," Tyler noted. "Knowing there's a patient waiting on it, it becomes crucial to move a sample through a workflow while maintaining high accuracy. Labbit allows us to process complex workflows in parallel and do so at scale, which has been a challenge with other platforms."

The Result

With Labbit in place, Helix has been able to support evolving areas of focus, including population genomics, clinical diagnostics, and pharmacogenomics. The platform's flexibility allows the team to introduce new assays and adjust workflows as laboratory operations change. 

With a cloud-based architecture designed to operate at scale, the system also reduces concerns around fluctuating or high-volume demand. Workloads that previously pushed the limits of legacy infrastructure - such as processing up to 100,000 samples per day - can be managed without the same constraints, allowing the laboratory to scale operations more confidently as needs evolve. 

Laboratory efficiency has improved at the bench, reducing friction for technicians and allowing them to focus more on laboratory work rather than system interaction. 

“Performance is what stands out most to the end user," Tyler said. “Samples can be processed through the workflow in a fraction of the time compared to other systems. From logging in to completing a workbook, every click matters when processing tens of thousands of samples in a shift. Labbit simplifies the operator experience, allowing technicians to focus on bench work while instruments communicate directly with the system and progress samples in the background. Tasks that previously took 20 minutes can now be completed in under 5." 

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With Labbit and their continued partnership with Semaphore, the Helix team now has a laboratory informatics platform designed to evolve alongside their science. 

Tyler and his colleagues are confident that their systems can support the pace of innovation required in genomics—allowing their laboratory operations to scale and adapt without being constrained by their LIMS. 

"As we look ahead, we're always asking how quickly we can iterate—how quickly we can release updates to a workflow or create new ones," Tyler said. "Labbit is a key part of that, enabling us to test, validate, and bring new workflows into production more efficiently."