The evolution of technology has revolutionized many industries and fundamentally changed how everyday tasks and functions are performed by professionals from all walks of life. While automation within the pharmaceutical industry is not as new of a concept as it is for other industries, the increasing prevalence of improving connectivity, advanced analytics and the use of robotics are all factors that are contributing to the increased use of automation within the pharmaceutical industry.
Increased Productivity
According to a study from Mckinsey, pharmaceutical labs that embrace automation have delivered 30 to 40 per cent increases in productivity within already mature and efficient lab environments and a full range of efforts being focused on automation could lead to reductions of more than 50 per cent in overall quality-control costs. Specifically, advancements in automation within quality control (QC), particularly in laboratories have played a major role in improving output, efficiency and cost savings for QC and lab professionals.
Reduced Errors
One of the top benefits of laboratory automation is error reduction. As human error is a significant risk in any lab setting, automating key tasks such as waste disposal ensures consistent, error-free results. Automation robots can assist with this, too, as they are programmed with a workflow that is meant to reduce inconsistencies in all steps of a process.
Prevention of major compliance issues through a reduction in errors can in itself be worth millions in cost savings for pharmaceutical and biomedicine companies who are expected to comply with some of the toughest regulations from any global industry. By embracing new technologies and automating processes, labs can ensure they comply with health and safety regulations and avoid potential fines for non-compliance.
Cost & Space Savings
Another benefit of laboratory automation is cost reduction. Besides reducing costs through increased productivity, the automation of processes and tasks can reduce waste and result in cost savings in other areas such as storage and waste disposal. By introducing automation to make processes more efficient and streamlined, this can result in less waste and overflow resulting in less space needed for storage in terms of storage facilities and waste containers.
Safer Workplaces
According to the World Health Organisation, 2.3M people die annually from chemical mismanagement in workplaces. Often this can be from the incorrect disposal of waste resulting in a hazardous accident which can often be deadly and result in the loss of life. When serious accidents occur in labs and other biotech facilities this can also result in loss of business operations. Embracing technology and automation makes workplaces safer by removing chances of error in labs, not only resulting in time and cost savings but ultimately also saving the lives of people who may be exposed to potentially deadly risks during the completion of various lab-related tasks.
Automate your Labs Waste Disposal Management with Chemishield
Chemishield is a cloud-based waste management software that prevents the mixing of incompatible waste streams for both liquid and solid waste. Our audit-ready, cutting edge software enables the efficient and worry-free disposal of harmful chemical and solid waste. Chemishield ensures both your hazardous and non-hazardous waste is never disposed of incorrectly as it helps you to easily predetermine your waste streams and their disposal locations. Our built-in 2 step validation process reduces human error, whilst also offering built-in CLP Compliant labelling and end to end reporting across your entire waste life cycle.