The business case for APAS Independence

clever culture systems APAS Independence interface
Benefits of APAS Independence
Better staff utilisation and satisfaction
Optimised workflow and processes
Greater precision and consistency of operations
Improved data integrity with full audit trail of results
Creating time for new revenue-generating activities

Tools to support the business case

Clever Culture Systems has tools to support you in bringing the APAS Independence to your lab.

Workflow assessment methodology
Return on investment calculator
Strategic business case development

Making a Return on Investment (ROI)

Central to the decision-making process for any new capital equipment is calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) payback period.

We can work with you to develop a comprehensive financial assessment of the impact of APAS Independence on your operations.
The APAS Independence offers payback in as little as 1 year — and typically less than 2-3 years.
To learn more, read our white paper — Building the business case for the introduction of APAS Independence

Information for ROI modelling

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

Non-financial considerations

Building a business case for automation is not limited to the financial benefits. Strategic and operational benefits can also be achieved.

Questions you should ask

Laboratory strategy

What does my lab look like in 5 years? Is my lab an industry leader — or a follower?

Space optimisation

How can I maximise the use of my current footprint?

Quality goals

Can I improve the data integrity of results and compliance?

Staff satisfaction

Will staff retention be improved through the implementation of value-added automation?

Resource flexibility

Does modular microbiology automation allow me to better manage peaks in testing volumes and reduce overtime requirements?

Paperless reporting

Can I improve my operations by moving to digital microbiology culture plate reading?

The payback period

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

  • Challenges retaining staff  
  • High overtime expense
  • Future growth through laboratory merger
  • Resource optimisation
  • Greater capacity on TLA system
  • Vision as technology leader
  • Improved data integrity processes
  • Paperless workflows
  • Staff optimisation

FTE Saving

0.7

3.9

1.5

Payback (years)

3.2

1.7

1.6