Needs AnalysisThe laboratory space that I managed for the Purdue University Chemistry department was a shared resource used by six research groups located across three buildings. When I started my position there, users were reserving equipment by recording their name on legal pads located with the equipment. Since this method required users to travel to the lab to record their time slots, most people used equipment without reserving it in advance. This led to conflicts between the users and made it difficult for the laboratory manager to know when maintenance was needed or could be performed.
Pilot TestIn researching options to replace this system, I discovered the software Quartzy. This software included features that would meet the scheduling needs of the laboratory and would provide a space for inventories and document storage. I was able to rapidly integrate this solution into the laboratory where users quickly adopted the new practice and were appreciative of the ability to schedule remotely. After several months of successful use, Quartzy discontinued their scheduling software. I researched the available options again, but I was unable to find a comparable software that offered all the features I had previously found useful. I decided the most cost effective solution would be to create my own laboratory management website.
Solution ImplementationI designed and created a seven page website to schedule equipment and store inventories, training and safety documents. Users felt comfortable locating the information they needed during their first encounter and they no longer needed to create an account to access the website. After seeing the success of the website, I was able to install a computer in the laboratory space to allow the members to change their appointments and reserve equipment as needed while they were in the space. During my three years maintaining the website, I saw conflicts in equipment use disappear since it was now easy to create a reservation and it was clear who owned the appointment.
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