Last updated on Jul 17, 2024

Here's how you can enhance a laboratory's overall performance through strategic thinking.

Improving laboratory performance requires more than just meticulous attention to experiments and data—it demands strategic thinking and management. To keep a lab running at peak efficiency, you need to consider various factors, from workflow optimization to training and development. It's about looking at the bigger picture and making informed decisions that promote productivity, quality, and innovation. Whether you're managing a small research facility or a large testing lab, applying strategic thinking can lead to significant enhancements in performance. Let's explore how you can do this effectively.

1 Optimize Workflow

Efficient workflow is the backbone of a high-performing lab. By analyzing your current processes, you can identify bottlenecks and redundancies that slow down operations. Consider implementing lean laboratory principles, which focus on minimizing waste and maximizing value. This might involve reorganizing the physical layout for better workflow or introducing automation for repetitive tasks. Streamlining data management with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can also significantly reduce manual errors and improve data retrieval times.

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Dr Ravi Shekar Ananthula

CSO & Executive Director at PharmaDEM Solutions Pvt Ltd
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Plz add digital enablement and embrace the new age technologies. This is also important for operational excellence. Introduction of SoluDEM kind of technology for hplc method development and API impurity rejections, will save a lot of time and resources Saves 30% of the time

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2 Upgrade Equipment

The right tools can dramatically improve your lab's capabilities. Regularly assess and upgrade your equipment to ensure it meets the latest standards and is functioning optimally. Investing in high-quality, reliable instruments can reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider the scalability of equipment to accommodate future growth. Upgrading doesn't always mean purchasing new; sometimes, it's about optimizing existing equipment through recalibration or software updates.

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Dr Ravi Shekar Ananthula

CSO & Executive Director at PharmaDEM Solutions Pvt Ltd
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Update can be done in two ways 1. Machinary update 2. Skill update (Digital and New methods). Updating the digital skill is a new need for organisations for operational excellence. For example using FormDEM kind of software will help formulators to test their 20 or 30 ideas in a day or two without conducting lab experiments, whereas as conventional it takes 3 months to 6 months. These technologies save 30 to 40% time and resources. Gives a huge advantage in the competitive pharma world.

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3 Foster Innovation

Encouraging a culture of innovation can lead to breakthroughs and increased efficiency in the laboratory. Provide your team with opportunities to attend workshops and conferences to stay abreast of new techniques and technologies. Promote an environment where creative thinking and risk-taking are valued, and where staff are empowered to suggest improvements. This can lead to the development of proprietary methods or processes that give your lab a competitive edge.

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4 Invest in People

Your laboratory's performance is directly linked to the skills and motivation of your team. Investing in continuous training and professional development ensures that staff are proficient in the latest methodologies and technologies. It also helps in retaining top talent by showing a commitment to their career growth. Encouraging cross-training among different roles can enhance teamwork and provide operational flexibility.

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5 Monitor Metrics

You can't manage what you don't measure. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor your laboratory's efficiency, quality, and output. These metrics might include turnaround time for tests, error rates, or publication numbers for research labs. Regularly reviewing these KPIs helps in identifying areas for improvement and in making data-driven decisions. It also provides a way to track the impact of any changes you implement.

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Dr Ravi Shekar Ananthula

CSO & Executive Director at PharmaDEM Solutions Pvt Ltd
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eLabNote helps to monitor the progress of projects and people. Digital solutions help smarter ways of doing works Automations will further enhance the accuracy of the experiment by removing possible human errors

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6 Enhance Safety

A safe laboratory is a productive one. Ensuring the safety of personnel not only prevents accidents but also fosters a more focused and efficient work environment. Regularly review and update safety protocols, conduct training sessions on safety practices, and engage with staff to discuss potential hazards. By prioritizing safety, you minimize the risk of costly disruptions and create a culture of care that can boost overall morale and productivity.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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NORKYS HURTADO

Fundadora de CAYME CONSULTING E.I.R.L/Implementadora en Sistemas de Gestión bajo Normas ISO/Asesora/Instructora/Auditoria en Sistemas de Gestión tanto Certificables como Acreditables /Mentora experta en Normas ISO.
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Me gustaria anádir que el pensamiento estratégico significa salir de la caja y pensar "estrategicamente" significa tener visión a largo plazo para desarrollar una visión clara y orientada al futuro para el laboratorio, que guíe las decisiones estratégicas y establezca metas ambiciosas pero alcanzables. Análizar el entorno, identificar las oportunidades y amenazas basado en el análisis del entorno, definir objetivos estratégicos, desarrollar estrategías, priorizar iniciativas, implementar las estrategias de manera efectiva, asegurando una asignación adecuada de recursos y un seguimiento continuo de los progresos y resultados obtenidos. En fin son muchas cosas que hay que tener en cuenta. Y es muy importante definir que se va a medir y cómo.

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Here's how you can enhance a laboratory's overall performance through strategic thinking.

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1 Optimize Workflow

2 Upgrade Equipment

3 Foster Innovation

4 Invest in People

5 Monitor Metrics

6 Enhance Safety

7 Here’s what else to consider

Laboratory Management

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