Considering automation? When expanding labs contemplate a change, automation is a common path to take.
The first step is to evaluate existing pain points and determine the end goal of process improvements.
Common motivations are:
Sheer volume
Consistency
Consumable costs
And labor costs
Considerations
Automation can support these needs. It enables labs to take advantage of customizable workflows specific to project goals.
But how do you get started?
Actions to take
Just ask.
Partnering with field experts can put you on the right track and provide invaluable insight through all stages of implementation.
Is automation necessary?
Field experts can help answer if automation is the best solution? Do you really have the throughput to justify the investment?
An expert partner listens to your needs, helps outline your goals and determines whether to automate. You express your desired end point and what you want to accomplish.
An expert might also suggest lower cost instruments such as the Maxwell RSC instruments that can still accomplish your goals and personalize your needs, without additional expense.
Not all throughput issues need automation. Adjusting current manual or semi-automated chemistries can solve hands-on processing time. Every lab is different. Finding what justifies an automation investment is based on each lab’s particular goals.
Making the move to automation
If implementing automation solutions is your primary goal, an expert can ensure correct implementation and ongoing support. Consider how your protocol interfaces with new instrumentation and learn how to transition properly. An expert will ensure success before moving forward.
If your lab does not have the expertise to program laboratory automation systems, there are field support specialists who are experts in laboratory chemistry as well as automated systems. They can rapidly assist in programming instrumentation and training lab staff to get experiments up and running. They can also help to personalize workflows and chemistries to your lab.
Implementation
Implementing automation is a combination of generating lab workflows, deciding on sample processing and chemistry direction, and choosing the appropriate automated hardware.
Let’s take a therapeutics lab looking to rework an antibody development protocol that requires large-scale sample processing. The new workflow needs a high-yield midiprep plasmid purification solution to ensure effective cell transfection downstream.
Promega specialists assist the lab in tailoring an automated solution on an existing instrument to fit this updated workflow. Together, the team developed a new protocol, integrated a well-suited chemistry solution for plasmid preps, and implemented the new system on their existing automation platform to produce a successful workflow.
Work with an automation expert to develop and implement an automated solution customized to the needs of your lab.
Automation helps move labs forward. And working with an automation expert who can recommend chemistries, workflows, robots, or programs that are scalable and amenable to a growing lab will help facilitate this process.
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