Central to the decision-making process for any new capital equipment is calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) payback period.
Staffing
Number of staff assigned
Staff mix required (technical assistants vs microbiologists)
Salaries
Typical shift patterns
Staff overheads / ongoing costs
Statutory payments (Pension,401k, payroll taxes)
Discretional costs (training, PPE, health insurance)
Media usage and costs
Media optimisation (bi-plate, chromogenic)
Media supplier changes
Reduced re-work through automation
Volume of specimens and process mapping over 24 hours
Flow of specimens through the lab
Peak times, staffing level equivalents
Timing of plate reading and impact on TAT
Per cent positive rate for a sample
Defining what a positive sample for microbiology review is
Per cent negative rate for a sample
Defining what a negative sample for microbiology review is
New revenue opportunities
Expected future growth of the laboratory
Increased capacity for existing testing
New higher-value testing that can be brought in
Quality improvements
Fewer quality deviations
Faster completion of investigations
Costs of automation
Implementation and validation costs
Ongoing software fees
Ongoing maintenance and support costs
Building a business case for automation is not limited to the financial benefits. Strategic and operational benefits can also be achieved.
What does my lab look like in 5 years? Is my lab an industry leader — or a follower?
How can I maximise the use of my current footprint?
Can I improve the data integrity of results and compliance?
Will staff retention be improved through the implementation of value-added automation?
Does modular microbiology automation allow me to better manage peaks in testing volumes and reduce overtime requirements?
Can I improve my operations by moving to digital microbiology culture plate reading?
What is the scale of your lab? As your scale rises, the payback period for ROI decreases.
Scenario
Small-Medium Clinical Laboratory
Large Clinical Reference lab with Existing TLA
Pharma Aseptic Manufacturing
Lab Name
Applications
Urine specimens
Infection control testing and Urine screening for UTI
Microbial Environmental Monitoring
Samples per month
5,000
60,000
10,000
APAS Instruments Required
1
2
1
Strategic Considerations
FTE Saving
0.7
3.9
1.5
Payback (years)
3.2
1.7
1.6
Visual