Entering 2025 on the right foot for your facility and labs

As we continue counting down the days until the jolly fellow with the red suit comes down the chimney with his bag of gifts, keep in mind some of the ways you can help make 2025 a great one for your labs.  And remember you can always lean on a consultant to help, because we understand the time, effort and energy it takes to keep focus on science.  Reach out and let us know if we can help!

1. Prioritize Organization and Efficiency

• Declutter and Optimize: Start the year by organizing equipment, supplies, and data to streamline workflows.

• Double check Inventory Accuracy: Re-Inventory lab, IT and facilities assets, consumables, and life safety equipment. Check that due dates for inspections, calibrations/PM’s are up to date. Don’t have something inventoried? There’s no better time to start than in the New Year!

• Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Update protocols to ensure consistency and efficiency for all team members.

  
  

2. Embrace Technology and Innovation

• Upgrade Tools and Systems: Invest in new software, lab equipment, or automation technologies to save time and reduce errors.

• Go Digital: Transition to paperless systems for better data management, storage, and analysis. Making informed decisions should be easy if you have what you need to consider in one place.

• AI and Automation: Explore artificial intelligence tools or lab automation systems to enhance research or workflow efficiency. If you are a manager, share how to best use these tools in a team meeting.

  
  

3. Focus on Safety and Sustainability

• Safety First: Conduct/schedule safety audits, provide regular safety training, and ensure all equipment and training are up to code.  Get a consultant to perform a GAP audit.  Another unbiased set of eyes is always helpful.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Reduce waste, implement recycling programs, and adopt energy-efficient equipment to create a greener lab. Provide training, lunch-and-learns are great for this.  Ask a local resource for help.

  
  

4. Improve the Lab Environment

• Enhance Comfort: Make sure workspaces are ergonomic, well-lit, and conducive to focused work. Ask folks about pain-points.  Maybe anti-fatigue mats could be a BIG win no one thought of?

  
  

By focusing on organization, efficiency, technology and safety, you can set your facility and labs up for a successful and productive 2025. Here's to a year filled with growth, achievements, and positive results!