ANALYTICAL & LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
DIGITAL LAB
D
DEVELOPING THE
Geoff Parker offers advice on what to consider when undertaking a digital lab transformation
igital transformation is taking the world by storm in nearly every industry. A huge US$1.97 trillion is expected to be spent on digital transformation in 2022, globally,[1
] with
some sectors such as pharma, biotech and life sciences being the latest to become more digitally enabled. Key drivers of digital transformation in most scientific labs include business expectations (converting data into actionable insights), dealing with data complexity and volume, and leveraging new technology within an evolving scientific landscape. Another force behind the digital transformation momentum has been Covid-19. Te pandemic really set the scene for a world where digital processes underpin business continuity. Te importance of remote access for labs, as well as connectivity between systems and users, was highlighted, and initiated many organisations’ digital expansions, particularly with the use of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
DEALING WITH DATA On the face of it, digital transformation would seem a clear motivation for a
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scientific lab. More powerful analytical capabilities, streamlined workflows, and faster data insights are all features that digitalised labs benefit from. A recent survey of over 1,500 directors responsible for data strategies and digital transformation at both small companies and large global enterprises, found that at least 60% of decision-makers have seen an increase in the amount of data they collect and generate.[2] So although embarking on digital lab transformation could deliver numerous performance advantages, do directors at the organisation level really consider the impact of this massive influx of data?
Digital transformation is a huge trend in labs
True business transformation will not be achieved if this element of digitalisation is not accounted for. A harmonised digital platform should enable analytics-powered insights from the growing data being produced, which is only possible if core services are available, such as a common user interface, enhanced security, data access, and instrument integration.
Scientists can achieve more in the lab
CONSIDERATIONS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSFORMATION Te definition of digital transformation depends on the goals and objectives of the individual lab or organisation. Modern technology finds labs at varying stages of digitalisation: removing the reliance on MS Excel by implementing a LIMS or an ELN to record results could be a significant digital step for one lab, whereas another may be looking at everything from the Internet of Lab Tings (IoLT) connectivity, closely integrated information system workflows, data lakes and data science solutions. So, although the considerations for each lab when undertaking digital transformation will differ, there are some common areas to address.
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