Imagine that you\u2019re building a custom house. If you work in the residential construction business, you might understand what\u2019s involved. However, you\u2019re unlikely to have deep knowledge of every skill needed to complete the job \u2014 from pouring the foundation to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, interior design, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people don\u2019t have this kind of expertise. Even if they do, they\u2019re likely to rely on one of two other choices: using a construction company recommended by the architect who designed the house or hiring a general contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)<\/a> up and running successfully is similar to building a custom home. It\u2019s a complicated process requiring specialists in many different disciplines. As with our home-building example, you have two choices if you don\u2019t want to do it yourself: use your LIMS<\/u> vendor\u2019s professional services organization (PSO) team<\/u><\/a> or hire a third-party PSO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this next article of our PSO series, we\u2019ll weigh the pros and cons of each of these two options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Part 1 of this series, we discussed what PSOs are and how these expert teams can bring significant benefits to any LIMS implementation. Once you\u2019ve decided to use a PSO team, you\u2019ll be faced with the critical choice between a third-party PSO or the in-house team from your LIMS vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many factors can impact the quote for PSO services, notably your organization\u2019s unique needs when configuring the implementation. This can include but isn\u2019t limited to, integration with other software or specialized instruments, compliance documentation, validation testing, procedural analysis optimization, training support, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be frank about the one key advantage third-party PSO organizations have in these negotiations: their up-front quote is likely to be cheaper than the one you\u2019ll get from your LIMS vendor\u2019s team. While it can be very tempting for budget-constrained purchasing teams to opt for a more affordable price tag, it\u2019s crucial to understand that this cost difference comes with certain contingencies \u2014 and some potentially significant risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to overlook the much higher value your vendor\u2019s PSO team can deliver<\/strong>. The difference between a third-party PSO and a vendor partner can easily mean the difference between a good implementation, or a seamless implementation that minimizes many potential pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s go back to our home-building analogy for a moment. You can choose the exclusive design and construction team recommended by the architect or a general contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While both options can get the job done, the architect\u2019s team offers a specialized approach that\u2019s well-aligned with your architect\u2019s vision, ensuring a flawless build that delivers the precise outcomes you want. Although a general contractor may promise a lower cost upfront, they lack a close working relationship with the architect, resulting in a less-specialized end product that may not fully align with the initial vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, when you purchase a LIMS, you have very specific expectations for how it will be implemented. Choosing your vendor\u2019s PSO team ensures the realization of this vision because they have direct access to the product management and development teams and the product roadmap. They\u2019re directly accountable to your vendor and will offer other exclusive perks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although third-party PSO teams may be proficient with LIMS, they lack the depth of knowledge your vendor\u2019s team can provide. They didn\u2019t create the software, don\u2019t have direct access to internal team members, and may not be able to match the in-depth insights provided by your vendor\u2019s own PSO team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it is possible that your Vendor PSO could be expensive upfront, experience regularly shows that this is an investment rather than an expense because it also offers a significant extra value. You\u2019re likely to save money in the long run (and possibly in the short run, too).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s dig into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When collaborating with your vendor\u2019s team, you tap into a specialized group that\u2019s intimately familiar with the software<\/strong>. They\u2019re among the first to be informed about updates and features, providing valuable insights, and enabling you to leverage the latest advancements. They also have direct access to developers and experts, facilitating swift issue resolution and optimal alignment with your requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third-party teams can\u2019t match this familiarity. This can lead to less efficient LIMS implementation because they require more time to grasp the specific nuances of the product and may not be as informed about updates and new features. Communication and issue resolution may be hindered because they don\u2019t have direct access to the experts behind the LIMS software, and you may not get precise alignment with your requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When collaborating with a vendor team, you can expect an instant and seamless transition from PSO to post-implementation support<\/strong>. If there\u2019s any need for troubleshooting, updates, or reconfiguration, a vendor team will be ready to handle it. You can also re-engage the PSO team at any time if your needs change, secure in the knowledge that they\u2019ll prioritize your productivity and profits while they work on the changes or updates you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With some third-party teams, the transition period can take up to 90 days or even longer, delaying your access to support. If your LIMS implementation doesn\u2019t go as planned, this could potentially damage your business operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, if any issues arise before or after going live, a third-party PSO team may require more time to learn and resolve the problems, putting your productivity and profits at risk. You might even have to fall back on the vendor\u2019s PSO team and get billed a second time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you work with your vendor\u2019s PSO team, the entire organization is interested in the software\u2019s success and ensuring it\u2019s configured to meet your specific requirements<\/strong>. The involvement of multiple teams within the same organization also enhances manpower, leading to a more thorough approach and greater dedication to your satisfaction. Direct access to the vendor\u2019s support team also ensures timely assistance, plus prompt updates and upgrades so that your system remains current with industry standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third-party PSOs will do the best they can to support you during implementation, but they don\u2019t have a stake in the product itself. They may also struggle to stay aligned with your vendor\u2019s goals, strategies, and product updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LIMS software is continually being updated, demanding ongoing education and training. Although many members of third-party PSO teams often come from LIMS vendors, their knowledge of their former employer\u2019s product can quickly become outdated, even six months or a year after they leave the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The direct access your vendor\u2019s PSO team enjoys empowers them to inform you promptly about upcoming features and updates.<\/strong> Their seamless communication with in-house teams facilitates the swift resolution of complex technical issues during implementation and is also invaluable to ensuring successful long-term planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vendor teams provide you with detailed documentation that streamlines implementation and contributes to the long-term success of your LIMS<\/strong>. In addition, vendor PSOs frequently offer internal validation services to help you demonstrate compliance with your industry\u2019s standards and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your vendor\u2019s PSO team will have the resources and expertise necessary to ensure a seamless implementation of your LIMS. Working with a third-party team without this expertise significantly increases your risk of failure. If you need to seek resolution from the LIMS vendor, this can increase your costs by up to 30 percent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The significant advantages of a vendor\u2019s PSO team are worth considering, especially when you\u2019re already spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a software system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your organization has a tight budget and its singular goal is to make the LIMS work, then a third-party LIMS PSO team may be the best choice. However, if you\u2019re seeking a seamless LIMS implementation that perfectly aligns with your vision and has no adverse effects on your business operations or profits<\/strong> \u2014 from purchase through the lifetime of your LIMS \u2014 working with a LIMS vendor\u2019s PSO team will prove to be a better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In part 3 of this series, we\u2019ll discuss what to look for when selecting a PSO team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing LabVantage PSO services to implement LabVantage LIMS<\/a> products ensures your path to success. The LabVantage deployment team is one of the industry\u2019s most experienced, with more than 35 years of successfully delivering LIMS solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the Right Type of PSO Partner<\/a> for Your Organization?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Laying a Strong Foundation for LIMS Implementation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Vendor PSO Teams are Worth the Extra Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Consider the Total Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No One Knows LabVantage Better than LabVantage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n