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Unlocking Efficiency Through Lab Transformation

Lab transformation is revolutionizing research with data-driven tools, automation, and smarter workflows

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Lab transformation is reshaping the industry by integrating advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. It encompasses the adoption of connected solutions, automation, and data-driven tools that streamline workflows, improve decision-making, and reduce manual tasks. Sarah Estrella, senior product manager of connected solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, explores how these advancements are enabling labs to meet evolving demands, from faster drug development to improved resource management.

Large labs and pharma organizations are planning to nearly double their investment in lab transformation. Can you elaborate on the key factors driving this significant increase?

There’s no question that new technologies have shifted how we work, communicate, and live. That is true of how labs across industries operate. Several factors contribute to labs and pharmaceutical organizations’ increased investment in new lab technologies. These factors include the need for faster development of innovative drugs, pressure to optimize costs, and the requirement to improve drug approval rates. Solutions that can automate certain tasks, analyze information quickly and accurately, and flag any issues promptly are critical to improving efficiency and innovation.  

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Part of this is an ongoing demand to find ways to scale up research and development. For example, in cell and gene therapies, the production of a specific therapy for a specific patient can be lengthy. Finding innovative solutions that can help expand a lab’s capabilities can help get treatments to patients faster. Additionally, labs have access to more data than ever. From real-time monitoring systems to more advanced diagnostics, labs need to be able to connect and interpret the data they have at their fingertips to make informed decisions. Ultimately, more connected digital solutions can help lab technicians make more informed decisions, improve safety, optimize lab resources, and increase productivity

As labs aim to scale their operations, how can connected solutions help maintain performance and quality in such an evolving environment?

While scaling up operations to meet demands is important, it won’t matter if quality, security, or performance are impacted. When labs are looking at implementing connected solutions, they should look for solutions that maintain a holistic view of performance and quality. One such solution is a 24/7 laboratory equipment remote monitoring platform. This can provide lab equipment diagnostics and data for several devices, allowing for streamlined laboratory monitoring. Some monitoring systems offer advanced capabilities through cloud or OPC UA applications, where they can send vital data to cloud or premise-based systems, like laboratory information management systems or building management systems. Through these monitoring systems, lab techs can receive system-based event and diagnostic data that alert them to equipment issues and empower more proactive management of lab equipment.   

Connected solutions can provide labs with more data, flag issues like contamination earlier in research, and allow labs to adapt before entering downstream applications. There are also digital solutions available that can connect to multi-vendor instruments across labs so that everything from maintenance information to data collection and analysis is centralized. Finally, connected and automated solutions can eliminate some opportunities for human error, either in analyzing data or in actual lab work. For example, some labs use robotic arms integrated with other instruments to conduct research in applications where contamination risks are high. 

What challenges do labs face in adopting these technologies, and how can they be overcome?

A few challenges can come with adopting new connected technologies, especially if labs are early in the process. Many of these challenges revolve around technological compatibility. For example, existing lab software or infrastructure may not allow for the integration of automated technologies. From a personnel perspective, there can also be challenges in the time needed to train technicians on new systems. Outside of the lab, regulatory bodies must establish appropriate guidelines for using new technologies that maintain safety, and labs must ensure they adhere to these guidelines, which can lead to challenges in getting solutions up and running.  

To overcome these challenges, labs should ensure they have strong partnerships with suppliers and other teams, like IT, to ensure that decisions are well-informed from the beginning, avoiding any compatibility issues. They should also ensure that requirements for connected solutions are considered when making decisions on operating models and costs. More and more, connected and automated solutions are becoming a must-have for labs to reduce costs, streamline end-to-end workflows, and improve patient access. While there are these challenges, if labs can successfully integrate connected technologies, the long-term benefits will likely outweigh the immediate struggles.  

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How have you seen greener lab technologies evolve in recent years, and what innovations do you anticipate will have the most significant impact by 2025?

Across the board, labs are demanding technologies that take sustainability into account. This can mean products that are shipped in more sustainable packaging, manufactured in more sustainable facilities, include fewer hazardous chemicals, and are more energy efficient than previous models.  

In 2025, we’ll continue to see automated technologies have an impact on sustainability in the lab. Connected solutions can help improve sustainability by flagging performance issues in real time. This allows labs to take the necessary steps to get equipment serviced efficiently, improving performance. Not only does this ensure samples are well-protected, but quickly fixing any issues can help equipment last longer, reducing the environmental impact of disposing of old equipment and manufacturing new versions.  

We’ll also continue to see improvements in cold storage solutions, especially ultra-low temperature freezers, as a way to improve sustainability. Cold storage is essential in areas like vaccine development, where samples must be stored at a specific temperature to avoid contamination. Traditional ultra-low temperature freezers can use as much energy in a day as a single-family home. Energy improvements in newer models of ultra-low temperature freezers are helping labs meet their sustainability goals without sacrificing quality. Newer ultra-low temperature freezers are also being manufactured with more sustainable chemicals and extended product lifespans.  

What steps can lab managers take now to prepare for the technological and operational changes expected in the next few years?

One of the most prominent steps lab managers can take now is to assess their current systems and operations. It is essential for lab managers to start these assessments now so they can begin to implement them where it makes sense and set themselves up for success as these changes become more necessary. Once current systems have been assessed, lab managers should set realistic goals to begin developing or expanding their connected ecosystem. In order to be prepared and successfully implement more connected systems in the lab, lab managers must establish strong partnerships with their suppliers. Suppliers can help lab managers understand their specific needs and ensure their products are well-suited for their lab. Finally, as lab managers begin to implement more connected solutions, they should look for options that may be compatible with their future needs to limit unnecessary updates.  

What do you predict will be the most impactful technological advancements in the lab industry in 2025?

As with most industries, technologies incorporating artificial intelligence will be increasingly impactful in the lab. These innovative solutions can be helpful in lab management through areas like equipment maintenance, troubleshooting networked systems, and even guiding decision-making. AI solutions can also be used for predictive analysis to help accelerate research. AI can help interpret experiment results, allowing lab technicians to feel more confident in their research, and can help identify the most promising paths for further exploration. Robotics and other automated systems can help streamline workflows and help improve reproducibility of experiment results.  

Most impactful, however, will be how technologies can work in tandem and serve as building blocks for the lab of the future. These can reduce manual tasks, letting lab techs spend more time on complex analysis and scientific discovery. They can also reduce the risk of human error, which can, in turn, increase productivity and lower costs. Connecting advanced technologies throughout the lab creates a cohesive ecosystem, leading to increased productivity, improved communication and streamlined workflows, maximizing the work labs can do.  

About the Author

  • Lauren Everett headshot

    Lauren Everett

    Lauren Everett is the managing editor for Lab Manager. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz and has more than a decade of experience in news reporting, feature writing, and editing. She oversees the production of Lab Manager’s editorial print and online content, collaborates with industry experts for speaking engagements, and works with internal and freelance writers to deliver high-quality content. She has also led the editorial team to win Tabbie Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. This awards program recognizes exceptional B2B journalism and publications. 

    Lauren enjoys spending her spare time hiking, snowboarding, and keeping up with her two young children. She can be reached at leverett@labmanager.com.

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