The
BioScope
The
BioScope is a periodic publication to provide our clients with
information from a variety of sources, as well as hot topics and
trends in the biomedical field. Our premier issue focuses on equipment
for the lab.
Laboratory
Equipment - Buying Tips Made Easy
Purchasing
equipment for the laboratory can be an intimidating event. There
is pressure from all sources, including management, the users
of the equipment and from manufacturer representatives, just to
name a few. How do you start? How do you justify your decisions?
Take a deep breath and consider the outline below. This should
help you organize your thoughts and simplify the job.
1.
Investigate Before You Invest
Ask "What do we really need?"
·
Then / Now / Tomorrow
· Cost vs. Payback
Never
single source or act on preconceived notions
If you
don't know, ask someone who does know
2.
Learn the REAL bottom line
Maintenance, supply & repair costs
Life expectancy
Upgradability
Expendables
Sources
of supply & repair
3.
Ask how soon can we get…?
The equipment
Parts
Accessories
Expendables
4.
Plan for Obsolescence
Prospectively
-
Know
the Life Expectancy of Equipment, Assays, and Peripherals
-
Know
when to Hold 'em; Know When to Fold 'em - and plan for it.
Never keep equipment forever!
-
Pay
for Your Specifications - Not Theirs
Retrospectively,
During the Equipment Lifetime
-
Track
actual annual costs
· (Initial investment + op costs) / years = The Real
Annual Cost
· Note need for increased frequency of maintenance
& repairs
-
Track
Failures
·Downtime costs
·Personnel time wasted on troubleshooting/maintaining
old equipment
