3 Ways to Invest in a Science Lab to Make It More Successful
Every lab is working toward an ultimate goal. The exact nature of that goal may vary. Some labs are founded in hopes of solving a singular problem. Others work within a larger context or offer specific services. However, no matter the lab, each has a particular goal that defines success. Likewise, some universal investments will help a lab achieve success no matter what its definition of such might be. In particular, the following three investments are among the most important.
1- Build and Maintain Your Inventory
This might seem obvious at first glance. However, if you ask people whether they’ve ever been impacted by missing items, you’ll get mountains of stories. If something can run out of stock in a lab, then you need to make sure you have backups and a review process that will alert people to order more. Keep in mind that this doesn’t just apply to research materials.
Research materials are important. However, even lacking something as simple as a filter for your flow hood can prove disastrous. The reason comes down to one of the fundamentals of science – standardization. Everything from laws to internal rules ensures that you’ll often need items with a specific brand, specification, etc. Those requirements can make it difficult to find replacements without notice. As such, you need to ensure that you always keep everything properly stocked.
2- Improve Equipment With an Upgrade Cycle
Science and technology are linked in various ways. One of the most readily apparent is the way technology leverages scientific advances to make further research more fruitful. As discoveries come to light, they’re incorporated into new lab equipment, which can, in turn, make discoveries even more likely.
However, this bootstrapping is only possible when labs regularly consider whether upgrades to the current equipment are warranted. Constantly upgrading is generally detrimental as it requires additional training and costs. However, waiting too long between upgrades will also hold a lab back. It’s generally best to create a review process to regularly consider whether upgrades would be useful at any given time.
3- Optimize Communication and Data Sharing
Physical equipment and the building itself are vital parts of a lab. However, the true key to success is the people working within it. Are you properly leveraging those people?
Think about your staff in terms of overall efficiency. Managers often assume that the best way to improve people’s performance is through scheduling, and this can indeed help. However, labs are heavily focused on results and methodology. It’s an environment where real-world results matter and where the spark of innovation plays a crucial role. As such, just improving communication can create dramatic boosts in efficiency.
Take some time to consider how people in the lab communicate with each other and with different departments. Automation and modern technology can often improve the process and cut through red tape. New technologies often allow various departments to access results at a glance without even needing to interrupt someone else’s work.
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