If you'd like to see what was discussed at the 2025 SmartLab Exchange USA, download your personal copy of the agenda to see what we dove into. 

With laboratories stepping into the digital era, successful digital transformation requires considered planning and execution. In this article, Michael Lang, Global Lead of Operational Excellence in Development at Boehringer Ingelheim, discusses the distinct elements that need to align for laboratory digital transformation projects to be successful, including systems, data, technology, processes and people. Read the article for insights into:

• How to design an effective roadmap for your laboratory’s digital transformation
• Making an informed decision on repurposing existing tech versus investing in new solutions
• Assessing your data quality and data storage processes
• Overcoming resistance to change and getting your people on board with digital transformation

Laboratories across multiple industries have access to rapidly expanding amounts of data. While harnessing data effectively can provide laboratory leaders with valuable insights, collecting, storing, and organizing data can be a challenge. Read the article to find out:

• The most common technical challenges laboratory leaders face when attempting to harness data and act on insights
• How data management systems can help laboratory leaders to properly structure and extract value from data
• Why additional training and upskilling is key to fostering a data-literate workforce
  

AI and automation continue to transform various workplaces, and scientific laboratories are no exception. However, successful AI implementation first requires laboratory leaders to identify use cases that will have most impact. This article looks at:

• Common AI use cases in laboratories – from automation to data analysis
• How AI can be used to help laboratories cut costs
• Overcoming cultural resistance to change when implementing AI and automation
  

Download the 2024 post event report for exclusive insights on industry investment priorities, audience breakdown, key themes discussed at the event, and much more!

Digital transformation in laboratories is no small feat, and can sometimes mean overhauling systems and processes that may have been in place for many years. Unsurprisingly, resistance to change is something that many laboratory leaders will encounter at some point in their digitization journey.

In this interview, Peggy Weber from Sarepta Therapeutics and Scott Lunk from Bayer Crop Science discuss strategies to help employees and stakeholders get engaged and excited about new technology. Key points covered in the interview include:

• Why approaching resistance to change from a place of patience and curiosity can be the best approach
• Why effective collaboration between different functions from the outset of a transformation project will lead to a smoother implementation
• Why nominating a dedicated “Change Champion” can be an effective way of gathering feedback during transformation projects