Between test tube and algorithm: the laboratory of the future under the microscope
Study on the transformation of laboratories
The digitalization of laboratories in the life sciences industry holds enormous potential, but many companies are facing major challenges. While some projects and initiatives have already been launched, there is often a lack of an overarching approach to overcoming technological, strategic and regulatory hurdles. Sustainable and efficient networking of the laboratory landscape requires targeted measures and overarching planning.
Imagine a scientific laboratory in which systems and tools are seamlessly networked, data is available and retrievable at all times, experiments are automated and environmental factors are taken into account from the outset in many processes.
This vision could become reality - but the latest BearingPoint study on the transformation of laboratories shows that many companies are still at the beginning of their digital journey. BearingPoint conducted in-depth interviews with experts from seven renowned life science companies to gain a better understanding of the status of digitalization in laboratories and their prospects. The study results show: With targeted measures, companies can significantly accelerate the process and reap the benefits of a networked, efficient laboratory landscape more quickly. Efficient laboratories are an indispensable backbone for safeguarding individual health and general prosperity in modern industrial societies. This makes it all the more important to prepare them today for the technological and economic challenges of the future and to increase their efficiency.
Digitalization in laboratories: a necessary, albeit complex, change
The interviews show that many companies have already launched a number of digitalization projects and initiatives, but advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) remain largely visions of the future. Comprehensive implementation is failing due to technical, organizational and regulatory hurdles.
The study clearly shows that the paperless laboratory - a wish explicitly mentioned by all respondents - can be an important step towards greater efficiency and transparency. However, the path to complete digitalization requires not only a corresponding technical infrastructure, but also fundamental digital skills at management level as well as the responsible use and programming of digital tools.
Jens Raschke, Global Head of Chemicals, Life Sciences & Resources at BearingPoint, sees great potential for the digitalization of laboratories: "The need and the will to digitalize are great. Many companies in the life sciences sector have started transformations, but often lack an overarching strategy to avoid isolated solutions and create a networked laboratory landscape. The potential is enormous - now is the time to drive digitalization forward in a targeted and sustainable manner."
Technological, strategic and regulatory hurdles are slowing down progress
However, according to the research findings, the benefits of automation and digitalization in the laboratory are being significantly slowed down by various framework conditions.
One key problem is the lack of integrated systems that connect laboratories with each other and with other players from research, administration and the biotechnology sector. Instead of integrated networking, individual solutions dominate, which are often incompatible with each other. This forces many companies to continue to carry out work steps manually - resulting in a loss of efficiency and increased susceptibility to errors.
In addition, strict regulatory requirements make the digital transformation of laboratories more difficult. In addition, employees often do not have the necessary digital skills due to a lack of targeted training programs. Many companies also lack a strategic approach. Digitalization is often only tackled selectively and not implemented as a holistic process, which makes the long-term success of the transformation more difficult.
Success factors for sustainable digitalization
Targeted measures are required to successfully lead laboratories into the digital future. A key step is the development of uniform digital infrastructures with open interfaces and standardized systems to enable seamless networking and avoid isolated solutions. At the same time, companies need to invest more in training programs to develop the digital skills of their employees in a targeted manner. A sustainable transformation also requires strategic planning with clearly defined implementation steps in order to introduce technological advances in a structured manner. The use of digital tools that not only digitize existing processes but also enable real optimization is crucial. Automation technologies such as robotics and AI play a key role in reducing manual activities and increasing efficiency.
"However, a future-oriented laboratory goes beyond pure digitalization: flexibility, ergonomics and a focus on the environment must be integral components. Resource-saving technologies, agile laboratory designs and collaborative working environments help to create a modern, efficient and adaptable laboratory landscape. Companies that consistently tackle these fields of action can accelerate the transformation of their laboratories and secure competitive advantages in the long term," summarizes Jens Raschke.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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Topic world Digitalization in the laboratory
The topic world Digitalization in the lab presents innovations and trends from digital data systems (ELN, LIMS) to laboratory robots and networked devices (IoT) to AI and machine learning.
Topic world Digitalization in the laboratory
The topic world Digitalization in the lab presents innovations and trends from digital data systems (ELN, LIMS) to laboratory robots and networked devices (IoT) to AI and machine learning.