Protecting Your Lab from the Future

Scientific productivity has remained flat over the last decade, despite $150 billion being spent yearly on research and development (pre-COVID-19), according to a PwC report titled “Pharma 2020: From Vision to Decision.” Innovation is vital for pharmaceutical companies, not only to succeed against competitors, but also to protect against potential threats.

Futureproofing is the process of continuous improvement that will keep your lab safe from security threats, as well as prepared for ever-changing business needs and new technology.

Businesses that are open and agile, and can adapt their business practices, technology, and security to their future needs can succeed. And while adopting advanced technology such as autonomous instruments can improve productivity, it can also introduce new digital vulnerabilities.

Futureproofing will protect your investment in innovation – and here are three steps to do that:

1. Keep your informatics tech flexible
   Due to the complexity of our current digital landscape, many informatics professionals are moving towards cloud-based tools to manage data from multiple sources. Cloud-based informatics tools create more efficient processes by:
   • Providing advanced data visualization
   • Connecting data from multiple data sources
   • Driving scientific collaboration

   Cloud-based software makes collaboration between scientists easier. Tools like TIBCO Spotfire and cloud-based e-notebooks can enhance productivity and accelerate drug discovery.

2. Stay on your toes with service tech
   Reports show that around 25% of research scientists spend time taking care of non-lab-related activities that detract from their productivity. To promote future lab success, consider who is responsible for lab operations and minimize the researchers’ housekeeping tasks. Working with a strategic partner to enlist a creative service plan can:
   • Optimize instrument maintenance and operational analytics
   • Support the lab computing team with a strong lab IT focus, with the knowledge that IT in the lab has specific needs
   • Redistribute basic scientific services like routine work and allow your team to work on their scientific mission

   Adaptability is an essential component of futureproofing. By using a partner with flexible service models, you can not only immediately boost your team’s productivity, but also introduce a responsive solution that can adapt to changes in business or technology down the line.

3. Lock down your IT security tech
   Data is the most valuable asset in your lab, and a vital component to futureproofing is making sure that data is protected. A beneficial lab IT security strategy will take the unique nature of the laboratory environment into consideration with solutions that address those security vulnerabilities.

To learn more about the significant value futureproofing brings to a pharmaceutical company, and about using the Lab as a Service model, read the article here.