{"id":1856,"date":"2021-04-14T17:07:19","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T17:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/connectedlab\/?p=1856"},"modified":"2024-10-24T09:05:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T09:05:14","slug":"lab-of-the-future-from-strategy-to-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/connectedlab\/lab-of-the-future-from-strategy-to-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Lab of the Future: From Strategy to Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

From strategy to action: How to accelerate your lab’s digital transformation<\/h1>\n

Leading life science companies and solution providers gathered at this year\u2019s Lab of the Future Live<\/a> event to discuss the latest cutting-edge research and technology driving the digital transformation of the lab<\/a>. Kicking off the event were keynote speakers: Richard Milne, VP and General Manager for Digital Science, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Hal Stern, VP & CIO, R&D, Janssen; and Vijay Raju, Global Head of Analytical R&D, Novartis. The keynote address examined how the challenges of modern life science research are redefining the lab. Each presenter offered a unique perspective on the digital transformation of the lab, sharing both success stories and challenges that are driving the need for change.<\/p>\n

External factors like the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the implementation of digitization strategies<\/a> in some areas. This acceleration has improved resiliency and remote access. One of the clearest success factors in digital transformation<\/a> initiatives is user engagement: placing the scientist at the center of the change to improve engagement and understand their needs.<\/p>\n

Success stories notwithstanding, the overwhelming feeling is that much of the digital promise has yet to be realized. Moving forward, the presenters called for a sharper focus on converting the potential into operational reality and moving from strategy to action.<\/p>\n

Barriers to a Connected Lab<\/h2>\n

An audience poll conducted during the keynote presentation confirmed the biggest perceived barriers to digital transformation.<\/p>\n

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The survey found that \u201cLegacy systems and processes\u201d represent the biggest hurdle. Milne agreed, referencing the massive historical investment in equipment, software, and processes that must be managed in a brownfield project. \u201cWe need to find the balance between pragmatic and progressive,\u201d Milne said. \u201cWe need to identify the pragmatic path to innovation while allowing realization of benefits along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Survey results also showed that \u201cPeople and culture\u201d can present another barrier to digital transformation. The panelists agreed that people are resistant to change when the change feels forced. They suggested involving scientists early in digitization projects. By making the scientists the center of the change, you can create a pull from the scientists rather than a push from management. This approach lowers the resistance to change and improves adoption. \u201cYou have to make sure you\u2019re answering the local context so you can bring users along with you,\u201d Milne said. \u201cTop-down edicts need bottom-up pressure to make them work. The people who are subject to the change need to understand the value of that change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building a Connected Scientific Ecosystem<\/h2>\n

How do we overcome these barriers to build a connected lab? Milne suggests focusing on technology that enables an organization in four key areas:<\/p>\n