Q1: How can pharmaceutical laboratories quantify the financial impact when it comes to underutilized equipment in today’s constrained economic environment? What are the steps taken by Elemental Machines in this regard?
A: Underutilized equipment is one of those hidden costs that doesn’t show up until you start looking closely. We’ve seen labs invest in expensive instruments that barely get touched, while others are in constant rotation. That imbalance adds up, in terms of wasted capital, inefficient workflows, and maintenance costs on equipment that’s barely doing any work. At Elemental Machines, we help labs shine a light on what’s actually being used efficiently and what’s not. Our solutions track utilization in real time, so teams can make smarter decisions about how they allocate and invest in equipment. One lab we worked with found that two of their biosafety cabinets were being used less than 10% of the time. That single insight helped them avoid buying more and instead shift what they already had into better use.
Q2: According to you, in what ways does optimizing equipment utilization directly contribute to reducing capital expenditure as well as operational costs?
A: It’s pretty simple: If you know what’s being used and how often, you don’t waste money on things you don’t need. Better utilization helps labs avoid unnecessary purchases, and spreading the workload more evenly across your equipment reduces wear and tear. It also cuts down on unexpected downtime and emergency service calls, both of which can be extremely costly. We help labs take control of those variables by giving them the data to plan instead of reacting after something goes wrong. Essentially, it’s a shift from reactivity to proactivity.
Q3: Define other specific asset management strategies that help labs extend their equipment life cycle while maintaining compliance and regulatory standards.
A: A big one is switching to usage-based maintenance instead of relying on the calendar. Why service something every six months if it’s barely used — or wait that long if it’s working overtime? Our platform tracks how much and how often equipment is used, so labs can schedule service when it’s really needed. We also help digitize maintenance and calibration records, which makes audits less stressful and helps labs stay on top of compliance requirements. Anyone who’s ever been through an audit knows how much strain that can take off lab organizations from top to bottom.
Q4: In what ways does predictive maintenance scheduling help minimize unexpected downtime and ensure uninterrupted lab workflows?
A: The goal with predictive maintenance is to catch problems before they become breakdowns that cost money and derail your timelines. When you can see real-time utilization and trends in environmental conditions — let’s say, a machine running hot or being used constantly — you can schedule a checkup before something fails. That kind of foresight saves labs a ton of headaches and helps keep projects on track.
Q5: Can you share the proven methodologies that Elemental Machines has adopted for balancing high equipment usage rates with preventive maintenance requirements?
A: We help labs set thresholds based on real usage, so they’re not guessing when it’s time for service. If one instrument is showing heavier use, our platform can trigger an alert or log a reminder to inspect it sooner. Some labs even rotate similar equipment to balance the workload. It’s all about giving lab teams the visibility to manage their assets before things go sideways, in whatever way works best for their organization and their clients.
Q6: Which, according to you, are the key metrics that labs should prioritize to identify and eliminate instrument idle time in an effective way?
A: Utilization percentage is a great place to start, but it’s not the only thing to look at. We recommend tracking how much equipment is used per shift, how long it sits between sessions, and how often it’s triggering performance alerts. Combine that with environmental data, like temperature fluctuations, and you get a clear picture of what’s working, what’s underutilized, and where you can improve efficiency and performance.
Q7: How can laboratories integrate asset management software to streamline compliance reporting and audit readiness?
A: Integration is a huge opportunity. When your asset data connect with systems like your LIMS or ELN, it gives you context that strengthens everything from research integrity to audit prep. With Elemental Machines, labs can automate logs for calibration, maintenance, and environmental monitoring. That means you’re not scrambling to find paperwork when the auditors show up; you’ve already got a complete digital trail. Even beyond the benefits when auditors show up on your doorstep, the confidence you gain — and the stress you lose — when you know these things are already taken care of is a game changer.
Q8: Do you have any strategies that you would recommend to foster cross-departmental alignment between lab operations and commercial teams under your new leadership?Â
A: It comes down to visibility and communication. When both teams can easily see what equipment is available, how it’s being used, and where the gaps are, it makes planning and decision-making a lot more collaborative. LabOps has a huge role to play in driving business outcomes. They keep the engine running. We want to make sure their insights feed into broader strategy and growth plans, so that every relevant data point makes those internal conversations more meaningful.
Q9: What does Elemental Machines have in mind to incentivize staff to maximize equipment utilization without compromising on safety or quality?
A: We’re not about pushing people harder; we’re about giving them the tools to work smarter. When lab staff can quickly see which instruments are ready, which are in use, and which need attention, they can plan better and reduce the stress of guesswork. Having a better workload distribution across your lab assets also extends equipment life and reduces risk, which ultimately improves both safety and quality without adding friction to anyone’s day.
Q10: In this new leadership role, what steps will you take to strengthen asset management frameworks, and how will the commercial growth expertise that you possess translate into operational efficiency gains for lab teams?
A: We’re doubling down on asset management because the need is constantly growing. Labs everywhere are being asked to do more with less, and that’s exactly where our platform shines. From a commercial perspective, I’ve seen how labs can scale much more smoothly when they understand their capacity and utilization. The more we can help them tap into that potential, the more efficiently they grow. It’s a win for science and a win for businesses.
