SMPL
SMPL is a simple, intuitive workflow module that helps biobanks transition to a professional Biobank Information Management System
Promoting interoperability and traceability. Swiss Biobanking’s expertise in biobank standards and harmonization, combined with our Partner DiData’s robust and compliant infrastructure, delivers a ready-to-use Biobank Information Management System (BIMS) that guides users step by step, ensures consistent and user-friendly sample management, and adapts easily as biobanking needs evolve.
Fully integrated into the DiData platform, SMPL follows an event-based logic that reflects real-world biobank workflows. Preconfigured in accordance with the Swiss Biobanking Core and Extended Datasets and aligned with international standards, it enables rapid implementation, consistent documentation, full traceability, and interoperable data management — without the need for costly customization.
Originally developed for Swiss biobanks, SMPL is now used internationally and continues to evolve through its growing user community.
Key benefits
- Rapid and resource-efficient implementation
- Deploy ready-to-use, event-based BIMS with minimal setup and without requiring dedicated IT resources
- Operational alignment across the full sample lifecycle
- Support your daily biobank workflows from collection to distribution
- Ensure structured, consistent management of samples and related data
- Standards-based and compliance-oriented by design
- Enable harmonized and reusable data in alignement with Swiss Biobanking and international standards
- Ensure full traceability and secure data management to support regulatory requirements
- Sustainable and future-proof solution
- Reduce complexity through a modular architecture
- Maintain long-term cost control while enabling scalability and continuous improvement
- Supported by an active user community
- Benefit from shared resources, regular updates, and continuous improvements driven by biobank users
Who is it for
SMPL is designed for biobanks worldwide seeking a reliable, intuitive, and standards-based solution for sample management, including:
- Academic and hospital-based biobanks
- Research biobanks with limited IT resources
- Small to mid-scale biobanks looking for a sustainable BIMS
- Institutions aiming to harmonize data and workflows with international standards
- Biobanks seeking a secure, compliant alternative to heavily customized systems
No advanced technical expertise is required to use or maintain SMPL.
Member of the Vetsuisse Biobank
How to obtain SMPL
- Initial Contact
Biobanks can contact the Swiss Biobanking dedicated team to discuss needs, scope, and deployment options.
- Technical Requirements Check
Assessment of the existing infrastructure or hosting environment to ensure SMPL can run smoothly on the DiData platform.
- Business Process Analysis
Joint review of biobank workflows, procedures, and organizational structure.
- Contract establishment
Discussion of the contractual aspects with DiData to go on with the configuration within the local system of the biobank
- Workflow Translation & Configuration
Configuration of SMPL using its modular, event-based logic to reflect real-world processes (no custom software development required).
- Initial Training & Go-Live
Short onboarding and training session enabling teams to start using SMPL quickly and independently.
- Ongoing Support & Community Access
Access to shared documentation, user guides, best practices, and peer exchange through the SMPL/Swiss Biobanking user community.
FAQ
Many existing tools are either too complicated or not adapted to real biobanking workflows.
SMPL was created with users from day one, focusing on simplicity, flexibility, and practical needs. Its purpose is to make sample management easier while fitting naturally into the larger DiData ecosystem.
If you handle biological samples – whether in a biobank, research lab, hospital, or clinical environment – SMPL can support your work.
It adapts to small or large collections and integrates with other LIMS modules, making it suitable for both straightforward and more advanced workflows.
Get in touch with us! We will analyse your needs and identify the most appropriate solution. Through our biobank network, you can also join our SMPL community to learn from client experiences and benefit from their expertise.
The SBP Datasets that are included in the SMPL are also freely accessible to any biobank. Whether you use a BIMS or not, the SBP Datasets can be directly accessed and downloaded in our Support Document Library.
Yes. Swiss Biobanking owns the SMPL module and has established license fees for biobanks based on the number of users, as well as an institutional license with unlimited users. Prices are available through Swiss Biobanking and DiData. A percentage of the license fee is returned to SBP to support the maintenance and further development of the SMPL module in collaboration with DiData, in line with the needs of the biobanking community.
Yes when using SMPL, the biobank is supported by Swiss Biobanking
- No. The SMPL plugin was initially implemented within the DiData solution. However, its technology allows integration with other systems. For reasons of priority and available financial resources, this integration has not yet been developed. If this could be of interest, please let us know.
- Any biobank with a contract with DiData, regardless of its country, can access SMPL. By joining the SMPL community, they become part of a shared network through which Swiss biobanks can benefit from expertise from around the world.
Contact expert
Technical support
Flavien Delhaes
Biobank Data Officer
flavien.delhaes@swissbiobanking.ch
Client support
Lou Ferraton Walder
Project & Operations Officer
lou.ferraton@swissbiobanking.ch