When Should a Lab Relocation Specialist Be Brought on to a Project?

The earlier you bring a lab relocation specialist on to a job, the better. The exact timing of when to bring them on depends on the size of the project and the scope of work. 

A qualified lab relocation specialist can perform the function of auditing the assets of the laboratory to provide the critical, bedrock data required to properly design and build the laboratory.

Lab relocation specialists in their role as equipment planners and procurement specialists can also augment the technical proficiency of the architect or engineer related to lab equipment. 

A qualified lab instrumentation specialist will have a thorough understanding of laboratory operations, with the necessary specialized technical and managerial skills to effectively aggregate information from the client group that will influence critical decisions for the design and construction of the new lab.

This ultimately affects all constituents involved in the project, from the architects and engineers to the construction team, allowing them to execute their roles successfully. 

What's the Difference Between an Owner's Project Manager (OPM) and a Lab Relocation Manager?

An OPM focusses on the expansion or relocation project as a whole and may not necessarily have the skill set or technical knowledge required to properly focus on the assets in the laboratory. Lab relocation specialists focus on the assets of the lab and possess the instrument and utility engineering expertise. 

A bench-level understanding of the assets and laboratory workflows and an understanding of laboratory personnel requirements to perform their daily tasks are also critical in designing a laboratory. 

Establishing credibility and cooperation among diverse cross-functional teams of scientists, facilities, lab management, architects, engineers and support personnel within the organization are essential ingredients for the success of the project.

My Client Needs Assistance with Their Lab Relocation. How Do I Suggest this?

Highlighting the necessity of a proper audit of the assets is a good place to start. The necessity of a well-organized and executed laboratory relocation cannot be overstated, as a failure to do so can directly affect burn rates, diverted labor, troubleshooting costs, quality control, etc.

Hiring a lab relocation specialist provides architects and engineers with accurate information related to the technical aspects of the assets in the lab. This mitigates potential risks associated with incomplete information that affects architectural and engineering plans, that can result in cost overruns and delays of a lab relocation project.