Laboratories today are under pressure – more than ever. Fields like Genetics and Pathology demand faster results, greater precision, and stricter compliance – all while operating on tight budgets. Unplanned equipment failures, inefficient workflows, and manual tracking systems can seriously disrupt operations and slow down research. AKA, downtime.
A recent survey conducted by Censuswide sheds light on just how widespread these issues are. The survey, which included 400 lab professionals, found that nearly 60% of labs experience disruptions due to equipment failures, missed calibration schedules, and difficulty locating critical assets.
So, what’s the solution? The short answer is a Lab information system (LIS). Preferably scalable, cloud-native, and with AI-driven automation. The longer answer is this article.
Lab Downtime: The Hidden Costs
One of the biggest takeaways from the Censuswide survey is the high cost of unplanned downtime. When lab equipment unexpectedly fails or is unavailable due to poor tracking, it leads to delays in testing and research, missed deadlines, and wasted resources. For large-scale laboratories generating billions in annual revenue, even minor inefficiencies can result in significant financial losses.
Yet, many labs are still relying on outdated asset-tracking methods. The survey found that:
- Instead of using customized reports generated by personalized dashboards, 56% of labs manually track equipment utilization: a time-consuming and error-prone process.
- 14% have no system in place at all for monitoring lab assets.
- Only 30% of labs use real-time monitoring technologies to keep track of their equipment and maintenance schedules.
Without real-time insights, labs struggle to allocate resources effectively. This leads to excessive downtime, unnecessary costs, and an inability to justify new investments. But upgrading the LIS isn’t a luxury – it’s a critical step labs must take if using legacy systems. The world has moved on from manual and tedious processes.
Why Are Labs Hesitant?
If upgrading to a new automated and scalable LIS is so beneficial, why aren’t more labs doing it? According to the survey, the biggest obstacles are cost and the difficulty of integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems. Many labs have relied on manual processes for years, and transitioning to automated monitoring requires an upfront investment and a shift in workflow management.
However, the tide has turned. As labs see the advantages of automated and cloud-native LIS, such as better data access, improved workflows, and fewer operational disruptions, adoption is increasing. 85% of labs surveyed plan to implement automated LIS solutions within the next two years, and 87% are looking to integrate AI and machine learning into their operations.
How to Choose a New LIS
Selecting a new LIS is a major decision that impacts efficiency, compliance, and scalability. Before making a switch, here are essential factors to evaluate:
- Compatibility: Ensure seamless integration with existing systems and equipment to avoid workflow disruptions.
- Customization: Labs have unique processes; your LIS should adapt to your needs without excessive modifications.
- Security & Compliance: Protect patient data and meet regulations like HIPAA and GDPR with built-in safeguards.
- Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your lab, from increasing test volumes to multi-site expansion.
- Cost: Factor in implementation, training, maintenance, and future upgrades beyond the initial purchase.
- User Adoption: An intuitive interface and strong vendor support ensure smooth implementation and staff buy-in.
- Mobile Access: Instant results from anywhere are no longer optional – they’re essential for modern labs.
Labs that prioritize adaptability and innovation will be best equipped for tomorrow’s challenges – because tomorrow is actually now.
Final Thoughts
The future of laboratory efficiency is cloud-native and AI-driven. Labs can significantly reduce downtime, boost operational efficiency, and experience growth. While the transition may be daunting, the long-term benefits – faster results, reduced costs, and improved research outcomes – far outweigh the challenges.
LabOS provides enhanced long-term efficiency, accuracy, and scalability for labs of any size. It’s a strategic investment that ensures your lab remains competitive while delivering exceptional service in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
