There are many challenges as you begin the process of mapping your department’s future plans, goals and objects, especially, in a global recessionary environment. More than ever, management is looking to “get the most bang for the buck”, as they look at the various wish lists being submitted to them. Taking an approach that focuses on ROI and value in software choices will surely get a lot of management attention. I have put together a short list of ideas that may help you show value with improved efficiencies using existing resources to meet increasing demands as the economy recovers.

Some Suggestions:

• Implement or upgrade an Enterprise Asset Management system to streamline processes, reduce data redundancy and make better use of existing assets and resources
• Improve quality systems over multiple functional areas to reduce the costs of compliance with a software designed specifically for life sciences
• Decrease costs by harmonizing work with a single software application for managing assets and service events
• Leverage existing infrastructure and IT resources while decreasing costs with a single web-based software that can be shared with sister facilities
• Reduce compliance risks while improving productivity by migrating to a paperless environment with comprehensive electronic signature functionality

If the aforementioned is overly ambitious for your situation, here is a more modest approach to achieving quick return with a limited investment:

• Optimize the use of existing  Blue Mountain software with additional software training
• Take advantage of current technology by extending the use of your Blue Mountain software with additional user licenses
• Make better business decisions with expanded reports that provide improved data analysis
• Leverage your existing investment by sharing your Blue Mountain software with sister facilities with an enterprise license

I hope some of these ideas are helpful.