Reasons to have a Managed Maintenance and Laboratory Relocation Specialist

In today's fast-paced laboratory environments, companies face immense pressure to maintain optimal functionality while ensuring seamless relocations. Managed lab asset maintenance and laboratory relocations are intricate tasks that demand specialized knowledge, precise planning, and extensive experience. Unfortunately, many companies attempt to undertake these complex projects internally, only to encounter costly pitfalls. Experts like Overbrook Scientific can mitigate the common mistakes companies make when trying to manage these projects in-house, often because "they don't know what they don't know."

The Complexity of Managed Maintenance for Labs

Managed lab maintenance is not just about keeping equipment running; it's about strategic asset management that aligns with the company's critical workflows and long-term goals. Here are some common mistakes companies make and how they could be avoided with the help of specialists:

• Internal Asset Management:

Companies often need a proper usage analysis to sign service contracts with vendors. This need leads to the purchasing of unnecessary services for redundant equipment and inadequate coverage for mission-critical instruments.

Result: Overspending on some services while underspending on others, leading to reduced productivity and increased overall costs.

• Surface Cost Focus:

Engaging asset management companies based on cost reduction assumptions, such as deploying their engineers instead of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) specialists.

Result: Lack of access to essential parts, insufficient training on newer assets, and delayed software updates, resulting in increased downtime and operational inefficiencies.

• Internal Asset Management:

Internal lab operations take on asset management to cut costs but underestimate the complexity and necessary expertise.

Result: Higher costs, lower productivity, overburdened scientists and operations personnel, and general frustration due to mismanaged assets.

The Pitfalls of Laboratory Relocations

Laboratory relocations are complex, involving logistical, structural, and compliance considerations. Here are some frequent oversights and their consequences:

• Freight Elevator Capacity:

Equipment intended for the third floor of a new building design under construction doesn't fit in the freight elevator.

Result: Expensive redesign of the freight elevator, causing delays and additional costs.

• Weight Load Miscalculations:

Instrumentation weighing thousands of pounds cannot be placed according to workflow requirements due to the floor weight tolerance unable to support the weight.
 

Result: Suboptimal placement of equipment, negatively impacting workflow and productivity.

• IT and Compliance Oversights:

IT departments are not consulted early enough to address CFR Part 21 compliance issues with new instrumentation and internal data compliance protocols.

Result: Unplanned purchases of additional software, budget overruns, and delays in launching the laboratory.

• Improper Bench Specifications:

Laboratory benches were improperly specified without considering clearance for gas plumbing and maintenance access.

Result: Costly bench replacements, reduced workspace efficiency, and increased expenditures.

The "You Don't Know What You Don't Know" Dilemma

A significant reason why companies falter in manage maintenance for labs and lab relocations internally is because "they don't know what they don't know." The lack of awareness about potential pitfalls leads to unforeseen challenges and skyrocketing costs. Here are a few real-world examples of the impact:

Service Contracts Without Proper Analysis: Companies often commit to service contracts without understanding their actual needs, resulting in either redundant services or inadequate coverage.

Underestimating Asset Management Complexity: Internal teams taking on asset management without the necessary expertise find themselves overwhelmed, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Why Choose Overbrook for the management of your assets throughout your lifecycle?

Overbrook Support Services specializes in managing the complexities of laboratory maintenance and relocations. Our team possesses the expertise to foresee and mitigate potential issues, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal operational efficiency. Here's why partnering with Overbrook can save you time, money, and headaches:

Comprehensive Analysis: We conduct thorough usage and workflow assessments to tailor service contracts that meet your specific needs.

Expert Asset Management: Our specialists focus on cost reduction and efficiency instead of surface cost assumptions, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Strategic Planning: We handle all aspects of laboratory relocations, from logistical planning to compliance and structural assessments, ensuring smooth transitions without costly surprises.

Specialists best handle the complexities of managed maintenance and laboratory relocations. Companies that try to save money by focusing on surface cost assumptions when managing these projects internally often end up paying double or triple the initial investment due to unforeseen issues and inefficiencies. Overbrook Support's expertise ensures that your program and projects are executed flawlessly, saving you time, money, and stress. Trust the experts to handle your laboratory needs and focus on what you do best—advancing your science.



For more information on how Overbrook Support can assist with your managed maintenance program and laboratory relocation projects, contact us today.