R&D procurement might seem straightforward, but behind the scenes, small mistakes can cause big headaches for labs. Mismanaged orders, unexpected product delays, and budget overruns can derail even the best-laid research plans.
The good news? With a little insight and a few process tweaks, many common pitfalls are easy to avoid. Let’s take a look at the top lab procurement mistakes and how you can sidestep them to keep your research moving forward without disruption.
|
Mistake
|
Quick Fix
|
Pro Tip
|
|---|---|---|
|
🔒 Relying on a small supplier group |
Diversify your vendor base using a lab supply marketplace |
Choose a platform that offers side-by-side comparisons and availability checks |
|
📦 Poor inventory tracking |
Implement automated inventory management tools |
Connect your inventory to your procurement system for seamless reordering |
|
💸 Focusing on price only |
Evaluate total cost of ownership (TCO), not just unit price |
Consider shipping, maintenance, and reliability in your calculations |
|
🔄 Lack of formal procurement workflows |
Standardize processes with approval workflows and preferred vendor lists |
Use procurement platforms that allow customized workflows by department |
|
🔍 Skimping on product comparisons |
Thoroughly compare specifications, pricing, and vendor reliability before buying |
Leverage multi-vendor platforms to simplify comparisons |
|
🕵️♂️ Inadequate supplier vetting |
Verify supplier certifications, customer reviews, and fulfillment history |
Prioritize vendors with ISO or GMP certifications for critical supplies |
|
✍️ Manual purchasing processes |
Automate orders and approvals with digital procurement tools |
Integrate purchasing into your lab operations platform for greater efficiency |
|
⏳ Delaying reorders |
Set minimum stock thresholds and enable low-inventory alerts |
Forecast supply needs based on project timelines to avoid emergencies |
|
🙈 No procurement ownership |
Assign clear procurement roles and responsibilities |
Make procurement tasks part of onboarding and project planning |
|
📊 Ignoring procurement data |
Track and analyze spend patterns, supplier performance, and delivery times |
Use procurement dashboards to find hidden savings and avoid bottlenecks |