Lab leaders are having to respond to, and work with, the growing impact of technology on lab environments, their projects and processes, their people and their roles. Automation and digitisation in particular, driven by Artificial Intelligence and robotics, is changing the game in labs, helping to drive efficiency, innovation and results.
Many lab leaders, according to the Lab Leader Vision 2025 report, based on a survey of 1,000 laboratory leaders in the UK by Functional Service Provider (FSP) and industry-leading life science & clinical talent specialists Synergy by SRG, are embracing this technological revolution. However, there are some concerns over the rapidly increasing role and influence of tech too.
The role and evolution of technology in Laboratories
With technology driving change across all industries, helping to improve efficiency, functionality, performance and support human skills, whilst also reducing errors and costs, it is unsurprising that the role of tech in laboratories is growing and evolving at pace.
In laboratory environments, technology has always been a vital component of lab innovation, input and output, helping to streamline processes, improve data discovery, integrity and accuracy, and enable continued improvement across the project lifecycle.
Recently however, tech is having an even bigger impact in labs due to the rapid development and implementation of automation and digitisation – largely driven by the power and potential of Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
Machines can now take the strain of various roles, allowing humans to divert their own resources and skills to other more important tasks. This is a powerful combination, helping to push innovations through at a greater pace, and with increased reliability too.
Embracing Automation and Digitisation in Laboratories
Technology’s role in laboratories will continue to grow as technologies and their uses evolve. But, despite the growing influence of tech, it remains true that there is no replacement for people with knowledge and experience to focus on higher-value activities.
The need for some routine roles may diminish in future, but we will likely see the emergence of new roles that require domain expertise coupled with proficiency in managing and interpreting advanced technologies.
According to the findings from Synergy by SRG’s Lab Leader Vision survey, many laboratory leaders are already embracing the technological evolution, and with 75% of leaders we asked telling us that they view automation as important to lab innovation (plus 28% viewing it as critical), the trend looks set to continue.
However, there is evidence that not everyone is fully-engaged with the growing influence of technology in labs – not just yet at least. 57% of lab leaders asked also highlighted concerns around the role and influence of digitisation, suggesting that the journey to the technologically advanced future is still one to embark on carefully.
Leveraging expertise to implement technology in laboratories
Responding to lab leaders’ thoughts on the growing influence of technology in laboratories, and in particular the presence of AI and robotics-powered automation and digitisation, Synergy by SRG – via the technology and engineering experts of Impellam Project Services – have offered insight into how labs can benefit from the power of tech.
Working in partnership, Synergy by SRG and Impellam Project Services provide expertise to drive digital transformation and close capability gaps quickly. Whether it’s advisory, one-off project delivery, or longer-term service delivery, our experts are ready to go above and beyond the brief.
As the impact of tech looks set to accelerate and grow to unprecedented levels, with Artificial Intelligence in particular revolutionising business across all industries, intelligent automation and advanced analytics are enabling streamlined processes, uncovering new opportunities, and enhancing competitive advantage.
Recognising this transformative power, we offer tailored solutions that connect clients to this fast-moving world, driving innovation and progress.
Discussing the potential of embracing and implementing technologies in laboratory environments, Matt Morton – Director of Technology Programmes at Impellam Project Services – said:
“For lab leaders seeking to implement cutting-edge technology and achieve output-driven results, we provide the technology expertise to make it happen. Our agile, delivery-based approach ensures you can access the precise tech skillsets required to integrate advanced solutions seamlessly into your lab. From advisory and strategising technology implementations to executing tailored solutions, we empower you to harness technology effectively and unlock measurable impact without disrupting your core operations.”
About Synergy - Functional Service Provider (FSP)
Synergy provides a flexible FSP model, deploying and integrating expert teams to deliver core Lab Activities across the pharmaceutical, biotech, FMCG, chemical, clinical research, biopharma, and sensory industries.  
Powered by SRG, we take a collaborative approach to delivering fundamental core scientific activities, working closely and directly with your team to understand existing processes and infrastructure, identify areas to improve operational efficiencies and innovation, and support business continuity and continued improvement. All whilst allowing your people to focus on what’s most important – your core strategic science and projects.