Today’s labs continue to move away from manual, paper-based data systems to digital solutions that offer a wealth of additional benefits. These tools, such as LIMS, ELNs, and lab monitoring systems can provide real-time data that enables lab managers to make smart decisions when it comes to their lab’s equipment usage.
The benefits of data-driven asset management are significant. For example, using an instrument monitoring solution can save time for labs by preventing the risk of unsuccessful experiments. These solutions provide real-time notifications that can detect issues or abnormalities within conditions of experiments before or as they are occurring, offering the chance to correct the issue without a total loss.
Get training in Asset Management and earn CEUs.
One of over 25 IACET-accredited courses in the Academy.
Asset Management course
Innovative lab monitoring solutions connect hardware, software, and data science to produce detailed data usage for nearly all lab equipment. These tools enable lab operations to be monitored 24/7 and give insight into decisions around servicing, removal, and other considerations. This type of knowledge enhances lab sustainability, as it paints a clear picture for which instruments are of high value, high use, and which ones are unnecessarily draining energy. Every square foot of a space in a lab is valuable, so lab managers want to maximize all available space with the right equipment.
Another major benefit of smart asset management tools is the automated tracking and other features they include, which can help maintain a high standard of quality. Data collection is automated and can be collected into designated reports, making it easier to ensure that the data being produced is what is expected.
Data-driven strategy for asset management
The examples of the tools mentioned above can eliminate bottlenecks in a lab and raise awareness of inefficiencies, but simply installing these digital tools without a follow-up plan isn’t enough to fulfill a truly smart asset management and usage strategy. As long-time lab manager and editorial director of Lab Manager Scott Hanton states, “To have success in implementing effective data capture processes requires joining together the right tool, the right partner, changes in staff behavior, and a willingness to use the data to make different and better decisions.” Hanton addresses an important component—the people factor.
In this article, he outlines seven steps to help managers reap the benefits of a data-driven asset management strategy, and many of the steps come down to communication and people. For example, the first step is to get input from all levels of the lab on what pain points they face with current workflows so that when looking for the right monitoring solution, you can find one that addresses all or most of these issues.
Once a solution has been chosen, advocating the investment to line management requires effective communication skills. Managers must articulate the business case for needing the tool and how it will improve lab operations. The final two steps of the process also revolve around people and behavior. Hanton suggests working with lab staff to properly implement and explain the new system—what do lab staff get from this, what changes in workflow need to be occur, what decisions can be made from the data produced? Ensure everyone fully understands the new system and doesn’t revert to old habits.
Learn all seven steps to implementing a data-driven asset management plan here.