Labs are meant to be shining examples of precision, innovation and efficiency. But, imagine a high-tech instrument, meticulously calibrated, sitting idle, its potential squandered. Meanwhile, researchers wait impatiently, experiments are delayed, and costs mount. Labs cannot thrive when they aren’t operating at the highest level possible.
Unplanned downtime affects your lab’s ability to deliver data quickly and accurately – which can hurt your bottom line. It should be a top priority for every lab to optimise its operations and paying attention to downtime is vital to success. But the good news is: that you can significantly reduce the frequency and impact of downtime.
Watch our webinar on how to Reduce Instrument Downtime With Usage-Based Maintenance webinar >
Scheduling regular preventive maintenance maximises uptime, extends the useful life of your instruments, and increases the accuracy of your results. It can even reduce unexpected repairs by 24%. Check if instruments provide early maintenance warnings and follow them closely. If not, create a schedule for instrument maintenance that all staff must follow. Lab software can also send alerts for preventative maintenance. It’s also advised to run analysis or diagnostics on instruments to see if they are operating efficiently.
When staff are empowered with access to learning and troubleshooting resources, it can improve lab throughput and analytical accuracy. Chemetrix provides many troubleshooting resources so staff can respond to minor instrument challenges first. As additional support, Chemetrix Academy provides training resources, tips and tricks to make the most of instruments and methods, thereby reducing instrument downtime.
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Ready-to-go methods for regulated and routine analyses, plus prewritten standard operating procedures can save weeks of method development and documentation time plus reduce instrument downtime. A robust method also reduces the risk of unexpected downtime due to unreliable results. Additionally, instruments and software that provide the option of automation for certain tasks reduce human error.
Download our poster on How to Optimise Your ICP-OES Methods >
An analysis of instrument data can provide insights such as when and where downtime issues are prevalent. By using the instrument data available, it is far easier to an overall picture of the lab’s downtime incidents and identify solutions for specific challenges. If a lab doesn’t yet have a robust software solution implemented, doing so may save time and money as it can analyse instrument performance, including downtime, and monitor overall performance for improved operational efficiency.
Instruments have a finite lifespan. It’s essential to know when equipment was purchased or installed and also regularly assess its age and performance. Use historical data to predict when an instrument might fail. Predictive maintenance involves analysing patterns and identifying early warning signs. It’s vital for labs to plan for upgrades or replacements before critical failures occur. This proactive approach minimises unplanned downtime. Remember, treating instruments as long-term investments rather than disposable tools pays off in the long run.
Customers expect reliable and timely services from labs. When the integrity and quality of the results or the timely delivery of analysis is compromised, labs may find that their reputation and customer trust are compromised leading to poor business outcomes. Instrument downtime is in fact easily addressed if staff and management work together with a holistic approach. By working with Chemetrix, labs can be supported with the resources they need to enjoy a great return on investment from their instruments.
Watch our webinar on how to Free Your Workflows from Common Time Traps >
Having the best instruments is just one factor of lab success, using them well is the other. As the scientific landscape continues to surprise with discoveries and developments, it is possible to adapt methods and instrument functions to remain abreast of industry trends or client requirements. Chat with our team to find out how we can provide the instruments you need along with our renowned after-sales support to help your lab achieve its goals.
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