The Digital Lab

The guarantee for good ideas in the lab of the future

When you think of data aggregators, data industries such as Facebook, eCommerce and, of course, the world's most famous "data octopus," Google, certainly come to mind. But the fact that a laboratory in the 21st century also collects data about data is still something that very few laboratory employees are aware of. Yet, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, data represents the optimal basis for sustainable success - after all, data enables the development of marketable ideas and products.

With digital transformation, more and more data is ending up in the cloud. This is also the case in the digital laboratory of the future. With the move to cloud-based services such as the iLES platform, work processes are becoming faster, access to the stored data easier and research results easier to evaluate. However, the use of digital technology also brings with it completely new problem areas. Data sets from everyday laboratory life are not only of interest to laboratory employees - but also to an army of cybercriminals. That's why we don't want to focus on the iVention modules and the iLES platform today - but on the cyber security factor.

In industry, the approach of lean management with its various methods has already become established. Lean processes in the interest of the customer, minimization of waste and continuous improvements along the entire value chain have become the standard in manufacturing companies worldwide - and a guarantee for sustainable competitiveness.

The application of lean management in the laboratory is described by the term "lean lab". And "Lean" as a concept is also on the road to success in the science-driven world of laboratories. Several studies in recent years have impressively demonstrated that laboratories can reduce errors, shorten lead times and cut costs with the concept of the lean lab. Laboratory employees can also benefit from lean techniques - through laboratory equipment that is better adapted to the respective workflows and optimally coordinated process sequences.

Crucial to success: the right technique
Lean management is not a universal method, but the generic term for a whole range of measures and techniques. Perhaps you have heard of Kaizen, value stream mapping or the Deming circle. For the Lean Lab, the techniques must be carefully selected and adapted to the respective actual situation. Digitalization supports the Lean Lab in this process, because with the Internet of Lab Things as well as a powerful inventory and instrument management, existing weaknesses can be uncovered and processes can be optimized without negatively affecting the daily work routine.

What does your lab look like? Do you already apply lean techniques or are you toying with the idea of making your lab "smart" in the near future? Write to us - we look forward to a constructive dialog! post content here…