Lab Inventory Management: How to Keep Things Organized

Author: Shonali Paul

Journal: G2, December 11, 2024

Abstract: In the world of laboratories, precision and efficiency are absolute essentials. Yet, inventory mismanagement remains an Achilles’ heel for many labs, often leading to waste, delays, and costly mistakes.

When 17 public health facilities of the Gambella Regional State were examined for a descriptive cross-sectional study, it was discovered that about 13% of laboratory commodities were being wasted, and the average stockout was 58 days. The cause? Poor laboratory inventory management.

Many labs wrestle with reduced operational efficiencies and escalating costs because they often overlook inventory management as a key factor. Oversight can lead to repeat or delayed orders, downtime waiting for reagents resulting in delayed experiments or testing, incorrect results due to the use of expired reagents and other consumables, regulatory penalties, and other issues, all of which contribute to significant efficiency losses as well as financial and reputational damages.