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Automation technologies have developed rapidly. This results in a wide range of opportunities for laboratories to actively shape change, but also forces them to adapt. Here are four things you can do today to prepare.
The idea seems bizarre. I order a pizza. A little later, it’s not the doorbell that rings, but my pocket: a text message promises me that the pizza is waiting outside. I open the door and a mixture of deep fryer and lawnmower stands in front of me, blinking. I open the door with the code from the text message and take out the pizza. Close the flap and the delivery robot takes off again. No “goodbye”. No tip.
Fiction? No: what is currently being piloted in Hamburg and will soon be implemented commercially by a pizza chain is just one example of the rapid automation and digitalization that is sweeping through all areas of life. Also known as Industry 4.0 or “Lab 4.0” for laboratories. Although there is as yet no known application for the delivery robot in the laboratory, it is quite conceivable that samples could be brought from production to the laboratory by robot in the future. Several times a day. In an emergency, even ad-hoc and at a controlled temperature for sensitive products. Similar to robots that are already used in logistics. However, it is also conceivable that fewer and fewer samples will need to be taken to laboratories at all. Online measurements or Process Analytical Technology (PAT) will make this possible.
Thanks to the rapid development of technologies such as machine learning, robotics and artificial intelligence, automation is no longer limited to simple routine tasks, but has the potential to perform complex, previously highly paid tasks – even in the laboratory. Several studies published in recent months show that around 50% of tasks across industries could be replaced in the next 25 years. This is why there is talk of a “new age of automation”. This trend seems to be particularly relevant for quality control laboratories, which have a high proportion of labor-intensive routine activities.
Possible applications for the laboratory
Automation is of considerable importance for laboratories in order to increase productivity, reduce deviations and increase speeds. Raman technology already gives a first impression of what will be possible in the laboratory: this has not only dramatically simplified identity checks in incoming goods, but now also in release testing (e.g. uniformity tests with 5 to 10 times lower costs per test). Tablets, which have long been on the wish list of many laboratories for real-time control, are also conceivable. If the currently available software offerings for laboratory planning continue to develop, attractive application possibilities are conceivable here. The use of other technologies is also conceivable. Data glasses to display information on the test process. “Virtual reality” to train new employees or “predictive maintenance” to optimally maintain the devices.
Your leverage to help shape the degree of automation
But with all the technical developments, the following must be taken into account: A significant proportion of tasks will continue to be carried out by well-trained laboratory staff and it is not worth going along with every technical gimmick. Whether automation covers 30, 50 or 70 percent of routine activities depends on further technical developments on the one hand and on productivity increases through continuous process improvements on the other. The more these are driven forward, the less it pays to invest in hardware and software. Or to put it another way: improvements can save costs day by day, as well as avoiding high investments and dependence on technology to a certain extent. Optimization is therefore already important. And there is still significant potential lying dormant in laboratories.
The path of technological specialization
For small laboratories in particular, investments in hardware and software are often not worthwhile. This can already be seen today from the fact that some still do not have a laboratory information and management system (LIMS), let alone electronic documentation or effective software for short and medium-term laboratory planning. But even for laboratories with 30 to 50 or more employees, it is necessary to critically examine what is worthwhile and what is not. This is where the information from improvement projects helps, so that once again the rule is: “Optimize first, then automate and digitize”.
Automation will have a significant impact on the laboratory landscape worldwide. For example, the trend towards larger laboratories specializing in a specific portfolio of technologies will continue to increase. In addition, outsourcing to contract laboratories that can bundle test volumes across several of their customers and thus achieve a critical mass will continue to increase.
What you can do today
1. follow technological developments
Keep up to date with technological trends. In addition to specialist journals, trade fairs and conferences are also suitable for this. For example, Labvolution (May 16-18, 2017 in Hanover) with a focus on automation and laboratory software or Lab Supply (several dates, e.g. on October 11, 2017 in Hamburg). You should also try to assess what stage of development a technology is at and how mature it is or to what extent technological leaps are imminent that should be awaited.
2. develop automation as part of the laboratory strategy
The manufacture of pharmaceuticals is a business that tends to have long-term cycles. It is therefore important to set the right course at an early stage. In order to fundamentally reorganize the laboratory’s technology in 5 or 10 years’ time, it is important to start in good time. The first step is to develop an automation and digitalization strategy.
3. investigate whether the methods and processes can be automated
It is important to critically examine the extent to which your methods can be automated. To do this, try to put yourself in the shoes of a robot, which is generally not as good at dealing with variations in the process as an employee. Also analyze which sub-steps of the processes are most promising for automation. You can find this out as part of improvement projects, e.g. using lean techniques.
4. develop skills for automation and digitalization
A new range of skills is required for automation and digitalization. The aim is to master the technology and use it effectively. This can only happen if you adapt it to your needs. Because only you know your processes as well as is necessary for successful adaptation. Even if the manufacturer sets up the system or software, for many devices you need someone in your team who can program them. Only then will you get the maximum benefit from digitalization.
