Introduction
Planning a new lab is an exciting venture, but the process can quickly become overwhelming. Constraints with budgets, space, and time demand effective lab planning that is backed by thorough market research. Skipping steps in planning and research can trigger a domino effect of costly errors, leading to overspending and disrupting the lab's workflow. How can you avoid this slippery slope?
The answer lies in 'Smart' planning. Smart planning involves setting clear goals, optimizing available resources, and knowing where to find the answers. In this blog post, we'll explore these principles of Smart planning and provide resources to help you navigate this exciting journey without feeling overwhelmed.
Smart Planning Starts with SMART Goals
It may feel like you're often juggling multiple tasks that all demand your attention simultaneously and with limited time it becomes challenging to stay on track with everything. By defining your goals using the SMART template, you can break down tasks into more doable action items and pinpoint key priorities.
As a reminder, a SMART goal follows a simple template:
Setting specific goals will identify what exactly you need to do, and by making them measurable, you can easily track your progress. Setting achievable goals for planning new labs is also quite crucial because limited capital, space, and time can heavily influence what is realistic or not. Additionally, having relevant and time-bound goals ensures that you are taking the right steps towards creating the lab you envision and a clear timeline for each of them.
A common example of when SMART goals can be helpful is when purchasing lab equipment. Purchasing equipment with limited or outdated knowledge about the market can lead to inefficient equipment that does not best fit your needs. With SMART goals, you have identified specific equipment requirements that are necessary for your lab and are attainable. Once you have these in a measurable goal (e.g. sourcing up to 500W), you can then refine your options down to the ones that best suit your needs and resources.
To understand how to apply SMART goals in your lab, let’s walk through an example: Imagine you've designed a layout for your workbench equipment that optimizes workflow and meets all expected requirements. From this layout, you've identified three key criteria for the bench power supply you need:
It must source up to 20V and 5A.
It should have a programming interface compatible with Windows desktops.
It needs to operate in a compact space, accounting for necessary airflow.
Based on these criteria, you can formulate a SMART goal to address all three requirements:
“Purchase 10 bench power supply units that 1) source up to 20V and 5A, 2) include a Windows-compatible programming interface capable of generating custom waveforms, and 3) safely operate within a 40 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm space, all within one month and under a $15,000 budget.”
With this goal clearly defined, evaluating the suitability of available power supplies for your lab becomes straightforward and efficient. By minimizing ambiguity in your requirements, you can confidently purchase the right equipment for you.
Play your Hand
Every lab has its own 'hand of cards' to play, meaning that each lab starts with its limitations on budget, space, and time. The only way to move forward is to optimize the resources you are given. For instance, finding utility for the equipment you already have access to can free up your budget and time for other essential purchases. Planning modular setups can help make the most out of limited spaces. Even tapping into existing supplier connections within your facility can save time and reduce costs. Ultimately, success hinges on maintaining a flexible mindset and using your resource limitations as a foundation for creative and strategic decision-making.
The Answers are Already Found
Starting a new lab may be a new experience for you, but many others have successfully navigated this journey before. One key tip to keep in mind is that experienced and professional help is readily available and can be crucial, especially when you have limited time to get everything up and running.
Engaging with knowledgeable professionals speeds up your decision-making process and provides you with expertise from those who have overcome similar challenges. Attending conferences, networking on platforms like LinkedIn, tapping into your network, and exploring online support programs are effective ways to access this expertise. By leveraging these resources, you can make more informed decisions quickly, ensuring your lab is set up efficiently and effectively.
Resources for You
At Seron Electronics, we are always looking forward to helping new labs with our products, services, and limited-time opportunities.
Staying true to the importance of flexibility for new labs, our SE.1X power platforms are the ideal multi-functional tools for various research projects. Its high precision and flexible operating range make it suitable for various scales of research, stages of development, and fields of interest. With a user-friendly programming interface, it requires minimal training so you can get to conducting research in no time. Check out our paper on 'What is a Power Platform' to understand the vast capabilities of the SE.1X Power Platform.
Additionally, new labs may be eligible for specific discounts. Contact us or request a quote to learn more!
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@seronelectronics.com or visit https://www.seronelectronics.com/contactus
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