LIS Vendor Scorecard
Choosing the Right LIS: A Side-by-Side Scorecard for Lab Leaders
What to look for in your next LIS and how to separate true SaaS from legacy platforms in disguise.
Not All “Cloud-Based” LIS Platforms Are True SaaS
If you’re evaluating new LIS vendors, it’s likely you’ll hear the same promises again and again:
- Modern
- Flexible
- Cloud-based.
But these terms don’t always mean what you think. Many LIS platforms still rely on virtual machines, outdated architecture, and manual patching — just hosted off-site.
What lab leaders need today isn’t just a new LIS. They need a fundamentally better delivery model.
True SaaS means:
- No infrastructure to maintain
- Seamless, automated updates
- Built-in scalability and security
- Real-time interoperability without custom workarounds
This scorecard helps your team:
- Cut through vendor jargon
- Compare capabilities side-by-side
- Align stakeholders on what matters
- Make a future-proof LIS decision
Compare Vendors Side-by-Side Using This Scorecard
If you’re evaluating new LIS vendors, it’s likely you’ll hear the same promises again and again:
| Capability | NovoPath | [Your Vendor] |
| True SaaS (not just cloud-hosted) |  | |
| Web-native (no virtual machines) | | |
| Quarterly automatic updates | | |
| True SaaS (not just cloud-hosted) | | |
| SOC2-certified security | | |
| Guaranteed uptime SLA | | |
| Real-time integrations (EMRs, billing, registries) | | |
| Native support for digital pathology + AI workflows | | |
| Scales without additional infrastructure | | |
| Role-based access controls | | |
| Transparent, subscription-based pricing | | |
| On-screen training and guided workflows | | |
| Dedicated customer support team | | |
| Vendor-managed migration (cleaning, mapping, validation) | | |
| Access to self-paced training via NovoU | |
NOTE
Some vendors may claim to be SaaS while relying on outdated hosting models. Use the next page to ask the right questions.
11 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Laboratory Information System (LIS)
NovoPath’s answers are pre-filled to help your team benchmark with confidence.
Web-native. Runs in any browser. No VMs or local installs.
Monthly. Updates are automatic, scheduled, and come with clear release notes.
NovoPath leads the full process: data cleaning, structured migration, and validation. Most transitions take 90–120 days.
Yes. Built to scale with AI workflows and high-volume imaging data.
Yes–enterprise-grade security and full SOC2 compliance.
Yes. Guaranteed uptime with cloud-native reliability and transparent SLAs.
Instantly. No new servers or IT overhead required.
Clients receive dedicated support with real-time help and documented releases.
You’re always on the latest version. Pricing is transparent and includes updates, hosting, and support.
Web-native. Self-scaling. Updated automatically. No VM dependencies or hidden complexity.
All clients receive access to NovoU — our on-screen, self-paced learning platform for onboarding and scaling teams.
Tips for Evaluating Vendors as a Clinical, Operational, and Technical Team
This scorecard is more than a checklist — it’s a decision-making tool that helps your entire leadership team speak the same language when it comes to LIS functionality.
Here’s how lab leaders are using it:
- Keep it on file to guide your RFP and long-term roadmap
- Bring it to vendor demos and document answers in real time
- Share it with compliance, IT, operations, and medical directors to build alignment
- Spot red flags early by pressing on vague or evasive answers
Pro Tip:
If a vendor can’t confidently explain how they update, scale, or secure their platform, you probably already have your answer.
