That’s a wrap on another successful and engaging Future Labs Live USA! With the event in our rearview mirror, we’re looking forward to the open road of innovative possibilities ahead—powered by the Internet of Things (IoT)—to revolutionize the laboratory experience. Based on what we learned at the event, life sciences specialists are seeking modern solutions with big impact and quantifiable results.
Over two days at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, lab leaders and experts shared their insights, aspirations, and pain points within the life sciences sector. These included the need for standardizing sustainability measures, data automation, and asset utilization while mitigating loss and streamlining lab operations.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the event:
Sustainability
There are countless benefits to creating a culture of sustainability across lab operations, beginning at the lab bench level and extending all the way up to the patient experience. By embedding sustainability practices at the base of operations, labs can better streamline and standardize practices up the chain of operations.
“Think about sustainability holistically,” Andrew King, HSE and Sustainability Director, AstraZeneca Operations, said during a panel discussion, adding that one way to do this is to “engage with scientists proactively.”
Lab leaders would benefit from speaking with scientists directly and learning from a bench-level perspective. By looking at every aspect of the supply chain, leaders can identify areas for improvement and make real, tangible changes to the lab environment. From minimizing energy consumption to reducing waste and water consumption to consolidating resources, there are simple and effective IoT solutions to building a smarter, greener lab.
Data Automation
Perhaps the most repeated and called-for solution of the event, across every sector, was the need for data automation. At the top of nearly every lab leader’s list of goals, data automation can solve a slew of laboratory pain points, including reducing the many manual aspects of a scientist’s day-to-day work.
From Excel data input to cleaning up older files to adhere to modern standardization practices, labs need IoT solutions to automate data, eliminate room for error and create richer contextualization of data analysis. Data automation allows for better data, scalability, and the opportunity to unlock countless lab efficiencies while capitalizing on unrealized savings.
Asset Utilization
One area where labs can help reduce waste, streamline productivity, and generate savings, is through asset utilization and tracking.
Together, asset utilization and tracking offer improved visibility into the asset lifecycle, from purchasing and procurement to maintenance and disposal. For example, sensors affixed to laboratory equipment can measure use frequency and duration based on dwell time. For more complex assets, such as centrifuges and orbital shakers, vibration sensors can measure utilization based on movement while in use. Smart sensors can also monitor door or lid activity to gauge usage patterns, while power-monitoring services can collect utilization data, measuring energy usage for wire-powered devices.
This type of lab connectivity and transparency can help optimize workflows and streamline operations, thus improving decision-making and purchasing power, informing inventory and maintenance schedules—giving employees back precious time.
While there is clearly no one-size-fits-all solution for mitigating every laboratory pain point and inefficiency, there is a clear path forward while utilizing the many cutting-edge IoT solutions we already have at our fingertips.
When it comes to scaling operations, reducing waste and improving productivity, there are actionable insights and solutions to optimizing workflows. Contact us today to learn more.
.jpg)
