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Putting Laboratory Connectivity at the Heart of Your Digital Roadmap

By 09.15.2021

Networked technologies, advanced automation and data analytics present enormous opportunities for laboratories to improve quality, productivity and cost-efficiency across every aspect of their workflows. Yet while most laboratories recognize the importance of having a roadmap for digital transformation, many are unsure what this should look like or how best to execute it.

Following our webinar on the journey to a digitally transformed laboratory, we look at the common challenges faced by laboratories when trying to advance digital transformation, and why partnering with trusted technology vendors to establish a strong digital infrastructure is critical for a seamless transition.

Common challenges on the digital transformation journey

Despite decades of investment in digital technologies, the vast majority of laboratories have yet to realize their full potential. All too often, issues around connectivity and integrating end-to-end solutions, as well as fragmented legacy systems, hold organizations back.

To drive improvements in quality, productivity and cost-efficiency, true digital transformation requires seamless integration of people, equipment, consumables, systems and data. However, when it comes to connecting capabilities using digital architecture, most organizations are not starting from scratch. New systems and technologies must be integrated within an established laboratory ecosystem, which may consist of several different systems from multiple vendors. Without interoperable platforms that can be seamlessly integrated across end-to-end workflows and multiple users, organizations can be hampered by data silos and disconnected teams that limit efficiency, productivity and innovation.

Even with the best laid plans, many digital transformation initiatives simply do not progress beyond the proof-of-concept stage. Often, organizations will start their digital journey by initially trialing new infrastructure on a small scale. While the solutions they deploy may be optimized for individual teams working in specific laboratories or departments, it can be challenging to scale-up infrastructure to meet the needs of the wider company or external partners. Likewise, while solutions may work at the time of launch, rapid business growth, mergers or acquisitions can leave less flexible solutions unable to meet future needs.

These challenges highlight the importance of a strong, interoperable digital infrastructure for maximizing the benefits offered by digital transformation. Fortunately, technology vendors are making it easier for laboratories to adopt the right platform solutions for a seamless transition.

Driving digital transformation through connected infrastructure

Networked digital technologies and advanced automation are unlocking new opportunities for laboratories to boost quality and productivity, with the latest systems providing impressive levels of process control. Recent years have seen the development of a wide range of connected equipment, including refrigerators and centrifuge systems, which allow laboratories to remotely monitor sample storage or workflow conditions in real-time. By alerting users to deviations in pre-set parameters, these networked technologies enable organizations to improve quality and efficiency, helping teams take early corrective action or initiate timely instrument maintenance to avoid unplanned downtime. What’s more, thanks to innovative connectivity devices, telemetry data can be obtained from existing compatible equipment such as freezers and incubators. This means that laboratories can take advantage of increased connectivity without necessarily having to implement new instruments and equipment.

Given the vast amount of data now handled by connected laboratories, applying efficient and effective approaches to store, manage and retrieve this information is critical. Advanced informatics tools, such as laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), organize and protect this data to maintain its integrity for downstream use. These systems also streamline data retrieval, enabling teams to securely access and share information. By integrating people and processes, and making data available where and when it is needed, modern data management platforms enable laboratories to optimize efficiencies and drive improvements in productivity.

Advances in laboratory automation help teams utilize this connectivity to further improve quality and efficiency. Modern automation platforms perform laboratory tasks with unprecedented accuracy and precision, achieving a level of reproducibility and throughput that is not possible with traditional manual approaches. Furthermore, with laboratory automation becoming increasingly flexible thanks to the availability of modular, reconfigurable platforms, these solutions are streamlining the adoption of automation across workflows to meet evolving laboratory needs.

Deriving insight from data with advanced analytics

The most digitally advanced laboratories are building on connectivity and automation to accelerate science using data analytics. Many organizations already apply the predictive power of machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimize processes and manage resources more efficiently. In laboratory workflows, for example, teams can track instrument performance data to detect trends, identify potential issues and prevent unscheduled downtime, or use inventory information to respond faster to supply chain issues.

To generate the most meaningful outcomes from advanced analytics and machine learning, it is critical to draw on high-quality data. Informatics solutions help laboratories achieve the highest standards of data integrity, as well as enhanced findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (the so-called FAIR data principles). While systems, such as LIMS and ELNs, play an important role in achieving these goals, especially for smaller organizations, larger businesses are finding that more complex architecture is required to fully integrate their research, development, clinical and manufacturing data. With this in mind, many organizations are turning to more comprehensive platforms driven by laboratory orchestration engines, which use transformational data layers to connect people, services, equipment and consumables, regardless of vendor.

Accelerate your digital roadmap by partnering with expert vendors

When selecting the right technologies to advance your digital transformation roadmap, it is important to work with supportive and knowledgeable partners who understand your needs and the challenges you face. Fragmented legacy infrastructure and organizational silos frequently stall digital transformation initiatives, preventing laboratories from maximizing the benefits offered by networked technologies, automation and data analytics. Partnering with vendors that offer end-to-end solutions designed to integrate equipment, consumables, people, workflows and data is an effective way to achieve the best results.

Some vendors, such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, are committed to helping laboratories realize the full potential of digital transformation, and provide a wide range of innovative platform solutions to support a broad range of laboratories. These include internet-of-things-ready equipment to improve uptime and resource utilization, as well as workflow orchestration platforms to streamline scientific processes and drive business insight.

Kick-start your digital transformation journey today

Executing a digital transformation roadmap can be challenging, with the integration of new technologies into a fragmented established digital ecosystem frequently preventing laboratories from achieving their full potential. While navigating this complex landscape can be daunting, one of the best ways to accelerate your digital transformation journey is by partnering with a supportive technology vendor who can work with your team to establish the right solution for your needs.

To find out how your laboratory can advance its digital transformation roadmap, watch our webinar.

Trish Meek

Trish Meek has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific for 18 years and is responsible for facilitating the integration of Core Informatics into the larger organization. During her time with Thermo Fisher, Trish has been focused on informatics solutions and has extensive experience with regulatory requirements and supporting customers in validated environments.

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