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An upgraded science lab allows technicians to work efficiently. While lab upgrades can be costly, once the upgrades are finished, most people are very pleased with the results and feel like the costs were well worth it. When you’re upgrading your lab, it’s important to understand where you can benefit most from making changes.
What needs to be upgraded?
Some lab equipment may need upgrades more than other equipment. When completing a lab upgrade, you may not have the budget or need to upgrade everything. It’s important to focus on equipment that is broken, outdated, or simply no longer usable. Budget for those items first and use the leftover funds for extras. Based on the type of science lab you’re working in, you likely have equipment that you use every day. This equipment sees more wear and tear, which means it probably needs to be upgraded more frequently. Some lab equipment simply becomes obsolete after a certain time, meaning you’ll want to add the latest in technology to take the place of those obsolete lab tools and equipment.
Consider how you use your lab
How you upgrade your lab to make it more functional and efficient will depend on how you use your lab. Research and development is a common use for science labs, but the type of research can vary greatly. Teaching labs, for example, may need more basic equipment that students can use. Scientists doing advanced research will need the very latest in technology to complete their work. Science is constantly changing, which means that lab equipment frequently needs upgrading.
Finding out what works
If you’re unsure of which direction to take your lab upgrade, consider touring some other science labs that work in a similar field. Ask those scientists which equipment they find most useful and which they could do without. A lab upgrade doesn’t mean that you have to replace everything. If you have equipment that works well, there’s no reason to change. Focus instead on finding equipment that will help your scientists work efficiently and effectively. It’s also important to consider the type of environment you want in your lab. Creating a more pleasant work environment, and helping everyone feel more comfortable in the lab, can greatly increase productivity.
Consider automation
With today’s technology, many lab processes can be automated, which allows those working in the lab to be more efficient. Automation saves time by reducing the time scientists must spend on tasks that are necessary, but often menial. Automated systems can work well for data collection and storage. You may wish to install a system that can analyze samples and provide data in very little time. The system can produce graphs and charts, making it easy to analyze and share research results. A lab management system can standardize procedures and conduct tests in very little time, decreasing the effort needed to store large amounts of data. Plus, when data is stored digitally, and backed up in a secondary way, the chances of losing data are very slim.
Safety is a must
Certain types of lab equipment may not be safe to use as it ages. Safety in the lab is the top concern, so it’s important to repair or replace any equipment that could be a safety concern. When updating lab equipment for safety, consider adding an organizational system that makes it easy to keep the lab clean and organized. Having a place to put everything away, where it’s easily accessible for use next time, prevents hazards on the floors of the lab, reducing falls and other accidents.
Upgrading science lab equipment can be expensive, but it is often necessary to keep the lab in good working order. As technology advances, so does much of the commonly used lab equipment, often making older systems obsolete. Scientists need efficient and effective equipment to complete their work. Whether you’re working within a tight budget, or you have more to spend, completing an upgrade can increase productivity in the lab. Consider not only updating lab equipment but also adding automated systems that can make it easier to analyze and store data
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