Managing and operating a research lab is challenging, but it’s like any business—efficiency and productivity equal success. If you feel you could make some improvements, explore our list of ways to make your research lab more efficient and productive.
Keep a Detailed Journal
Before taking a closer look at where your lab can benefit from better time and resource management, you need to keep track of everything. If you don’t already, keep a detailed lab journal of everything that happens in your lab with notes about mistakes, changes, and anything else you deem noteworthy.
At the end of the day, week, or month, look for areas where your lab can improve from different equipment, supplies, or methods. Plus, it’ll be a valuable archive for everything in your lab, from new equipment to vendor changes.
Declutter and Organize
Research labs are like any workspace—after so many months and years, they can get cluttered and disorganized. It’s natural, but you don’t want it to get out of hand to disrupt your lab’s productivity.
Occasionally, take a few hours or a day to go through the entire lab and take inventory of the supplies and equipment. You’ll likely find some supplies or equipment you don’t need anymore that can be moved to storage or removed to free up space in the lab.
Label Everything
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many research labs get complacent and careless with their labeling system after years of operation. An accurate labeling system is essential in a lab setting for productivity, organization, and safety.
A mislabeled sample can drain a lab’s time, labor, and money and cause unreliable results. Ensure your labeling system is thorough and followed closely by everyone at all times to ensure quality and safety.
Schedule Work in Advance
Time efficiency is essential for a lab to be productive and profitable, but it’s easier said than done. One of the best ways to ensure efficient use of time is by scheduling out the lab’s work and tasks for the week or month in advance.
Pro tip: Color code your lab’s calendar work schedule by priority and urgency of tasks.
Set aside time to create a detailed, itemized schedule for the lab. It’s much easier to follow a predetermined schedule than think and plan what to do next on the spot!
Consider Lab Management Software
If you haven’t already, a lab management software system could significantly help your research lab more efficiently. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) allows you to track test results, supplies, equipment, vendors, and other data and information you need to make your research lab more efficient and productive.
