Why Does Asset Management Matter?
Whether your laboratory is large or small, keeping track of your equipment and its usage is key to running efficiently. In the lab, asset management is more than merely inventory tracking. It can help you evaluate your lab’s project management and understand your equipment needs. Ultimately, a successful asset management plan should help you operate efficiently and accurately and use your budget wisely.
Document your plan
You should have a written asset management plan. When developing your asset management program, make sure that everyone on the team is aware of the plan. Establish best practices for using and tracking instruments and equipment. Educate your team on the importance of observing these best practices and how it will benefit their own work. A plan can only be successful if everyone on the team participates.
Additionally, communicating the plan to the entire team demonstrates care and concern for the quality of the assets available. Ultimately, that translates to a concern for the quality of the workplace and the output of the team that uses those assets.
Check your notes
Understanding how often instruments are used can inform your maintenance schedule for each asset. Obviously, assets that see the most use will need more frequent cleaning, calibration, or other maintenance to ensure accuracy and reliability in the lab. Knowing when your equipment requires maintenance is necessary for proper budgeting as well.
Once you have implemented a new asset management plan, perform regular audits to identify areas for improvement. The knowledge and experience of a laboratory team will always be your most important assets. But proper tracking and maintenance of physical assets, such as the tools and equipment that your team uses, can make it easier for them to perform well. Asset management is an evolving program that you should expect to update frequently based on those regular audits.
Learn from your asset tracking
Use the data in your asset management program to evaluate and adjust maintenance schedules. The right frequency of maintenance can ensure that your equipment remains accurate and in compliance with industry standards. It can also extend the useful life of your instruments, which can help preserve your budget dollars.
Is your lab scheduling maintenance reactively rather than proactively? Consider shifting to a regular maintenance schedule to prevent disruptions to your work. Damaged instruments or lab errors can halt a project until required repairs or maintenance are performed. Getting ahead of those issues can save you time as well as money on emergency services in the long run. It can also contribute to maintaining your lab’s good reputation.
In reviewing your asset management data, look for ways that you might improve your workflow and processes. Analyze your data to see where new, upgraded, or improved equipment could benefit your organization. Are some projects being stalled when tools are not available? Would adding additional equipment help speed up workflow? Are your temperature-measuring devices sufficient for the work being done? Was the last calibration service performed to the correct standard for the next project?
Asset management as a recruitment or retention tool?
Proper lab management and organization can also contribute to team morale. When professionals have access to sufficient resources to perform their work, they will be happier on the job. When the tools they need to conduct research or experiments are available and in good condition, they can work with confidence, knowing that their results are accurate and in compliance with required standards.
Maintenance and calibration of tools with ISO accreditation, as well as NIST traceability, provides your laboratory team with documented proof of that compliance. An asset management program that makes it easy for them to access those documents is valuable because it relieves them of extra work in record-keeping. Having an automated system that provides staff with information at their fingertips can help build a foundation of confidence and can make your lab an attractive place to work.
Bio Calibration Company offers a variety of services to implement a successful asset management program:
· Access your asset information any time through our safe, secure server.
· Customize your asset tracking with information that is tailored to your needs. BCC offers uniformly designed labels that feature a calibration schedule, serial number and barcode.
· Receive calibration certificates and standards, service summaries, and an inventory report after each calibration service.
· Establish a relationship with your technician. BCC prefers to assign the same technician for the lifetime of your account, providing consistent service by an experienced professional who can understand and anticipate the unique needs of your lab.
· Log in and view the status of your pipettes/lab equipment in real time with our secure customer portal. Check on calibration due dates, equipment condition, or repair needs at your convenience.
· Experience our personalized customer service. Contact us (Call 856-454-8904 or email service@biocalibrationcompany.com) To speak with a customer service agent and have any specific questions answered regarding calibration services.