Transforming a Lab from Manual to Max Efficiency

Welcome to a new perspective on improving environmental laboratories! Today, we explore a case study of a Maryland lab that has undergone impressive changes.

Meet the Lab

They are a bustling environmental lab with a dedicated team that has been striving to improve their processes and outcomes. Before LIMs-Plus, their day-to-day operations were bogged down with manual tasks, from handling orders via phone and email to labor-intensive reporting processes. It was clear they needed a change to meet their goals: processing more samples, increasing profitability, automating processes, and improving their margins.

The Old Way: Challenges at the Lab

The lab was divided into three main teams, each facing their unique set of challenges:

1. Administrative Staff: Handling billing, order intake, and complex reporting processes for public water sources which were highly inefficient and error-prone.

2. Lab Technicians: Tasked with managing samples, ensuring quality control, and maintaining accurate records, all of which involved redundant work and increased chances for human error.

3. Collectors: Responsible for assembling kits, labeling, and fieldwork, often struggling with inefficient methods of sample identification and excessive travel time for sample collection.

Changing the Game

LIMs-Plus was introduced to Lab Number One with the promise of streamlining operations without uprooting the existing systems. Here’s how our solution made a difference:

1. Lab Order Management System

• Before: A mix of phone calls and online orders that required manual input into their system.

• After: A fully automated order intake process that speeds up operations and reduces errors, making it easier for both lab staff and their clients.

2. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

• Before: Manual data entry, multiple logbooks, and high potential for errors.

• After: A digitized, streamlined process that supports lab techs in reducing redundant work, enhancing accuracy, and boosting overall lab efficiency.

3. Integrations on the Roadmap

• We understand their toughest problems and target them first. While we haven’t yet integrated QuickBooks or lab instruments, these are key milestones on our roadmap. Our roadmap is built on understanding their goals and mapping the best path to meet them.

The Impact: Real Results

By implementing LIMs-Plus, they saw significant reductions in their workload, allowing them to repurpose valuable staff resources towards growth initiatives like marketing, adding certifications and preparing for regulatory changes (pfas!). Here’s the breakdown:

• Admin Team: Reduced from six to three, alleviating the burden of manual tasks.

• Lab Technicians: Enhanced performance through digitization and automated processes, improving job satisfaction and efficiency.

• Collectors: Decreased unnecessary travel and manual labeling, with one less headcount needed due to increased efficiency.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement

While the initial improvements have been substantial, we’re not stopping here. The roadmap includes further integrations and enhancements, particularly in billing and instrument management, to continue driving towards their goals.

Takeaway for Lab Owners and Operators

If you're running an environmental lab and find yourself hindered by outdated processes and inefficiencies, take a cue from Lab Number One. Start with understanding your specific challenges and goals, then look for tailored solutions like LIMs-Plus that can adapt to your needs without disrupting what works. Begin with a lab performance calculator to pinpoint your areas of improvement and develop a strategic plan to tackle them.

Remember, the right changes can significantly enhance your lab's efficiency, profitability, and staff morale, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth.