Are you a biotech CTO trying to decide between Benchling and PerkinElmer Signals ELN while also trying to stay HIPAA, SOC2, or FDA compliant? You’re not alone. Choosing the right electronic lab notebook (ELN) is crucial, but it’s only half the equation. How you deploy, secure, and support that ELN can make or break your data integrity and compliance posture.
In this guide, we’ll compare Benchling vs. Signals ELN, break down their strengths and weaknesses for early-stage biotech companies, and show you how to build an IT environment that supports your ELN securely and scalably.
Why Biotech Startups Need to Think Beyond ELN Features
Benchling and PerkinElmer Signals are both strong contenders in the ELN space. But selecting the tool is just step one.
Biotech companies, especially in Boston and Cambridge, are increasingly being asked by boards, investors, and regulators to prove their IT infrastructure is compliant, secure, and audit-ready.
That means your ELN isn’t just a productivity tool — it’s a potential liability if not managed correctly.
✅ Need to meet HIPAA, GxP, or CFR Part 11 standards?
✅ Have a distributed R&D team or overseas collaborators?
✅ Handling sensitive preclinical or clinical trial data?
Then you need more than just an ELN. You need secure IT that’s built for biotech.
Benchling vs. PerkinElmer Signals ELN: A Quick Comparison
Let’s compare these two platforms based on what matters most to biotech CTOs and IT leaders.
| Feature | Benchling | PerkinElmer Signals ELN |
|---|---|---|
| User Experience | Intuitive, modern UI; cloud-native | More traditional UI; improving steadily |
| Best For | Startups & mid-sized biotechs | Mid to large biopharma, enterprises |
| Cloud & Hosting | Fully SaaS-based, hosted on AWS | SaaS & on-prem options |
| Compliance & Security | HIPAA, GxP, and ISO compliant; SOC2 Type II | CFR Part 11, GLP, GMP support |
| Collaborations | Real-time collaboration features | Strong version control; granular access |
| Integrations | CRISPR tools, LIMS, APIs | ChemDraw, TIBCO Spotfire, LIMS |
| Support & Community | Very active user base, rapid releases | Strong enterprise support from PerkinElmer |
| Pricing | Subscription-based, per user | Custom pricing, often higher for SMBs |
Verdict:
Benchling is often a better fit for growing biotech startups looking for speed, collaboration, and simplicity.
Signals ELN may suit more regulated, enterprise-level operations especially if already invested in the PerkinElmer ecosystem.
Security Considerations: Where Most Biotechs Miss the Mark
Even if you choose the “right” ELN, you can still run into costly data breaches, failed audits, or compliance violations if your infrastructure isn’t up to par.
“Most biotech firms we talk to are focused on the tool but forget to ask: Is our environment audit-ready? That’s where Cloud Cat Services steps in.” — Cloud Cat Services, Boston’s biotech MSP
Common gaps we see:
ELNs deployed on insecure networks with no endpoint protection
Lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) or SSO for lab users
Inadequate backup and disaster recovery (DR) plans
No 24/7 monitoring or incident response
Poor audit trails or change management controls
How Cloud Cat Services Secures Your ELN and Your Business
At Cloud Cat Services, we specialize in biotech IT infrastructure, supporting companies across Boston, Cambridge, and Nashua. Whether you’re using Benchling, Signals ELN, or another system, we:
✅ Build a Compliance-First Infrastructure
Configure systems to meet HIPAA, SOC2, CFR Part 11
Implement secure cloud access controls and encrypted storage
Maintain proper audit trails and change logs
✅ Support Collaboration — Securely
Set up SSO, MFA, and least-privilege access
Enable secure file sharing with collaborators or CROs
Support global R&D teams with 24/7 helpdesk coverage
✅ Handle IT So You Don’t Have To
Proactive patching, backups, and monitoring
Local, responsive support in the Boston and Nashua areas
IT policies, SOPs, and documentation for audits
📞 Let’s talk about your ELN environment!
Questions to Ask Before You Choose an ELN (or Launch One)
Whether you’re in Series A or approaching FDA submissions, ask:
Who owns the ELN’s compliance — the vendor or you?
What happens if your ELN goes down for a day?
Can your MSP or IT provider pass an audit with you?
Do you have backup, continuity, and recovery plans in place?
Is your ELN deployment aligned with your data classification policy?
Don’t get caught off guard. Many biotech leaders only think about these questions after an investor or auditor asks them.
Internal Tools That Pair Well With Benchling or Signals
At Cloud Cat, we also help biotech firms integrate and support tools that work alongside your ELN:
Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace with secure identity management
Veeam backups for cloud and on-prem
Sophos or SentinelOne for endpoint protection
Secure VPN or SASE solutions for remote lab teams
We can bundle ELN support into a broader biotech IT package that grows with you.
See our IT services for biotech startups »
FAQ: Benchling vs. Signals ELN for Biotech Startups
1. What’s the main difference between Benchling and PerkinElmer Signals ELN?
Benchling is a cloud-native ELN with a modern interface and strong collaboration features, ideal for biotech startups and growing teams. Signals ELN offers robust compliance support and deeper chemistry integrations, often preferred by more established or enterprise-level pharma organizations.
2. Is Benchling HIPAA or FDA compliant?
Yes, Benchling supports HIPAA and FDA requirements, including CFR Part 11, but compliance also depends on your IT environment. That’s why biotech firms should work with MSPs like Cloud Cat Services to ensure full audit readiness and infrastructure compliance.
3. Can I switch from Signals ELN to Benchling (or vice versa)?
Yes, but migrating ELN data can be complex and must be handled securely to maintain data integrity and audit trails. Cloud Cat Services can support ELN migrations with secure file handling, system integration, and compliance oversight.
4. Do I need an MSP to manage my ELN?
Yes — especially if you’re handling sensitive R&D, clinical, or patient data. An MSP like Cloud Cat Services ensures your ELN runs in a secure, compliant, and scalable environment with 24/7 support, backups, and disaster recovery.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Choose an ELN Without Choosing a Secure IT Partner
Your ELN is only as secure as the infrastructure and support behind it. Whether you lean Benchling for its modern UX or Signals ELN for its regulatory heritage, you need a partner who understands the intersection of biotech and compliance.
At Cloud Cat Services, we help biotech companies scale securely, stay compliant, and sleep at night.
Ready to make your ELN audit-proof? Let’s talk.
