BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF LABORATORY AUTOMATION

Posted by Biosero on March 2nd, 2020

Laboratory automation is a multidisciplinary system to look into, create, stream line, and capitalize in the research facility. In the recent years, most research facilities have functionalized automated means. It aims to improve productivity and maximize long term value of tests in many research centers due to the efficiency provided by automation. However, these processes also face some setbacks. Below are the benefits and challenges of laboratory automation.

Benefits of Laboratory Automation

Fast Processing of Tests with Minimum Errors

Humans tend to perform tests all the more gradually and do less in numbers contrasted with automated procedures in a lab. It facilitates automated solutions to complete many test processes that would otherwise require a lot of vitality from manual work power. Also, complex tests would take a shorter time, and increasingly precise outcomes can be typical inside a reasonable period. Laboratory automation solutions ensure analyses are performed effectively and consistently.

Reduced Duplication Problems

While lab technicians are conducting tests, they tend to forget experiments they may have conducted weeks ago. Also, if their communication is not clear enough, there is a possibility of tests being duplicated. On the opposite side, automated laboratory systems give comprehensive reports which will feature copies of tests that have just been performed. Consequently, this would help use accessible resources effectively and maintain long term efficiency of tests.

Fast Delivery of Test Reports

In case of incidents, your clients need fast feedback, thus, automated systems are necessary for that. Manual tests require more time and energy, which can lead to the frustration of clients.. Automation ensures fast responsiveness, so the satisfaction of clients ‘needs is maintained.

Among other benefits of laboratory, automation includes improved data access, reduced test cost and ease of interaction with Laboratory Information (LIH) Systems.

In conclusion, it’s essential to prioritize quality lab automation software systems as a way of achieving effectiveness of tests and clear reports.

Challenges of Laboratory Automation

Understanding the Software of a Laboratory System

Laboratory automation software uses very sophisticatedprogramming which plays a role of tracking everything that is undertaken from orders, testing the specimen and also processing reports among others. It requires utilizing the systems to comprehend its usef

ulness and support methodology, which not many experts understand. It could pose anextraordinary drawback to the individuals who are just used to manual lab assignments.

Defining the Scope of Automation

Most of the users of automated systems in their laboratories do not understand when to end the automation process when the next one should start, which applications need full automation and which ones don’t, and how large or small the functionality should be. Some of the personnel failto capture a clear image of the scope of automation and applying its application.

Understanding the Testing Process

Some laboratories have tools, but they don’t tend to serve the customer’s needs. It means that they have tools,however not for the correct administrations. This would mean that you might end up generating reports thatdo not concur with the context of your client’s expectations. Also, some fail to adhere to proper testing approaches. It could prompt insufficient outcomes which won't comprehend the issue in question.

Among other challenges include ineffective communication between stakeholders using automated laboratory systems and lack of understanding on how to undertake troubleshoots of the systems.

It is crucial to consider the above challenges before deciding on which automated system you intend to install for your laboratory services. It could impact on better performance and quality services to your clients.