Laboratory Automation and Robotics
Laboratory automation and robotics are key to improving the quality reducing the efforts involved in repetitive manual steps. Automation projects may involve analytical, QC, chemistry, or screening laboratories. Each project will be different but some of the key considerations include:
 | Developing an understanding of possible workload changes for the laboratory and the importance of improving quality, reducing costs, or shortening throughput times |
| Deciding which steps to automate and which to leave as manual procedures, often based on cost / benefit considerations |
| Considering how data handling should be automated -- often data handling is missed as important aspect because manual data techniques are acceptable at manual volumes |
| Selecting the best equipment and data systems for the task -- this involves considering flexible versus dedicated automation, off-the-shelf versus custom equipment, and vendor versus in-house sourcing |
| Developing a comprehensive project plan that identifies all key tasks and resources needed |
| Project management |