Overview
An EU-based mid-sized pharmaceutical company specializing in target discovery sought to modernize scientific data handling by enabling seamless data migration to Benchling. Their goal was to centralize fragmented datasets, strengthen scientific data management, and support FAIR-compliant research workflows. By adopting scalable scientific informatics solutions, the organization aimed to accelerate data-driven drug discovery and improve operational efficiency.
Our client
The client is an EU-based mid-sized pharmaceutical R&D organization focused on innovative target discovery programs. Managing data across multiple research initiatives required robust ELN and LIMS integration and standardized laboratory informatics workflows. Their long-term vision emphasized digital transformation, reproducibility, and cloud-ready R&D informatics services to support sustained scientific innovation.
Client’s challenge
The client faced challenges consolidating target discovery data stored across Excel files and legacy databases. Executing seamless data migration to Benchling required precise schema mapping, inventory alignment, and rigorous validation to ensure data integrity. Manual processes increased costs, delayed productivity, and limited compliance with FAIR data principles in pharma, preventing effective reuse of drug discovery data and downstream analytics.
Client’s goals
The primary objective was to centralize target discovery data on Benchling while implementing a reliable scientific data management system (SDMS). The client aimed to reduce manual data handling, enable end-to-end ELN and LIMS integration, and establish scalable, cloud-enabled research workflows aligned with digitalization in drug discovery.
Our approach
Excelra adopted a structured, two-phase methodology grounded in scientific informatics consulting best practices:
Phase 1: Data validation and preparation
- Validated data completeness and accuracy across databases and spreadsheets using unique identifiers
- Resolved ambiguous records through scientific curation and transformation
- Generated plots and dashboards supporting data visualization in life sciences
Phase 2: Data migration to benchling
- Normalized datasets aligned with Benchling entity schemas
- Executed automated bulk uploads using SDK pipelines
- Created and mapped inventory entities (boxes, tubes, locations)
- Enabled user-led validation and corrections to ensure data integrity
Throughout the process, Excelra leveraged its expertise in scientific informatics services and cloud enablement services to minimize disruption and ensure compliance.
Our Solution
Excelra delivered a scalable, cloud-ready solution that streamlined end-to-end data migration and management:
- Scientific data management system (SDMS): Standardized entity creation, normalization, and traceability
- Automated SDK pipelines: Secure bulk data transfer and inventory mapping in Benchling
- Lab informatics integration: ELN/LIMS-compatible workflows supporting reproducibility
- Cloud-Enabled architecture: Designed to support future expansion using cloud solutions for scientific informatics
- Advanced visualization: Actionable insights through plots and analytics aligned with scientific informatics solutions
Learn more about Excelra’s capabilities in scientific informatics and application development:
Conclusion
By centralizing target discovery data within Benchling, Excelra enabled the client to significantly improve research efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility. The solution reduced manual overhead, strengthened FAIR data compliance, and empowered scientists with analysis-ready datasets. This engagement highlights Excelra’s expertise in delivering purpose-built scientific informatics solutions that support digital transformation and scalable pharmaceutical R&D. Learn more about related implementations in our Benchling data migration case study.
