A Laboratory Digitalisation Strategy needs to address mapping of the current processes in a laboratory, identifying bottlenecks, use of paper printouts, spreadsheets and transcription from one system to another. Assessment of current analytical instruments and systems should also be undertaken to see if they are capable of being interfaced to eliminate paper printouts and manual entry of data or should be replaced. Then, processes should be redesigned to work electronically and use electronic signatures.

Digitalisation is a journey and not an event.

One of the major problems of any digitalisation strategy is trying to do too much at once with increasing the risk or cost and time overrun or probability of failure. To establish the credibility of the overall strategy, start small. First identify simple projects that can be accomplished quickly with little effort but with big benefits (Quick Wins). Next should the laboratory be digitalised top down or bottom up? You'll have to listen to the presentation to find out!

Learning Objectives: 

1. Demonstrate the role of process mapping for improving business efficiency.

2. Discuss how to identify quick wins and structure digitalisation projects.

3. Summarize why a phased approach to digitalisation is best.