The Value of On-Site Assessments and Opportunity Reports for Medical Laboratories

In today’s fast-paced medical laboratory environment, efficiency isn’t just a goal - it’s a necessity. With thousands of tests processed daily, even the smallest lab workflow optimization can mean faster diagnoses, fewer errors, and significant cost savings. 

A well-run lab doesn’t just keep up with demand; it maximizes resources, enhances staff productivity, and (most importantly) delivers better patient outcomes. It’s a field where every second counts, and the labs that master efficiency don’t just survive - they lead.

So with a clear benefit established, the question becomes “What are the most effective ways to optimize productivity in my lab environment?”

At LigoLab, we believe in the high value of an on-site assessment followed by a detailed Opportunity Report. When delivered in tandem, they allow clinical laboratories and pathology groups to take a step back with a new perspective, uncover inefficiencies, implement better workflow practices, and visualize how an advanced laboratory information system (LIS) solution tailored to their specific requirements can lead to a digital transformation and unprecedented growth.

LigoLab employs industry experts with decades of laboratory operation and transformation experience who will come on-site at no cost and with no obligation and conduct a comprehensive review of your current workflow, uncover inefficiencies, and provide actionable strategies to optimize productivity and streamline operations.

On-Demand Webinar: Leverage LIS System Rules, Automation, and Data Analytics to Increase Efficiency and Cut Costs

The Importance of On-Site Assessments

“At its core, there’s no real substitution for on-site observation and experience,” said Allison Still, LigoLab’s LIS Product Specialist. “Only so much can be done remotely. Seeing things in person and having face-to-face interactions with LIS system users is invaluable.”

On-site assessments provide laboratory information system vendors with direct insight into a laboratory’s workflow processes while outlining potential areas for improvement. Often, laboratory personnel operate with deeply ingrained habits, making it difficult to identify and correct inefficiencies without an outside perspective. 

Jenny Bull, a former laboratory operations leader, and LigoLab’s Success Director, further highlights what a pair of fresh eyes can mean for laboratory personnel challenged by LIS system bottlenecks.

“When you've been doing a workflow for years, it’s easy to continue doing things the same way without considering potential improvements. Bringing in outside experts with real lab experience offers a fresh perspective.”

During an on-site assessment, LIS software vendors such as LigoLab can identify manual processes that could be streamlined through advanced pathology software solutions. For example, many labs still rely on Excel spreadsheets, whiteboards, separate customer service management (CSM) tools, and other middleware applications to manage essential tasks such as sendout tracking, client and patient portals, business intelligence, and customer service.

“If you don’t know there’s a laboratory information system software that can consolidate these tasks into one application, you wouldn’t even think to ask for it,” continued Bull. 

Learn More: LigoLab: Comprehensive and Flexible LIS Software Solutions for Your Laboratory

Opportunity Reports: A Strategic Roadmap

After a LigoLab on-site assessment, the laboratory receives a detailed Opportunity Report, highlighting workflow inefficiencies, areas for improvement, and the potential return on investment (ROI) that an optimized lab information system can deliver. The report is generated and shared at the proposal stage of negotiations between the laboratory and its LIS company of choice. 

“We produce and share a 30-40 page slide deck that details the lab’s return on investment (ROI) and where we as LIS system partners see opportunities to enhance efficiency in the current workflow,” said Bull. 

According to Bull, included in the report is LigoLab’s evaluation of the lab’s current state - with detailed descriptions of challenges laid out for each department - plus an executive summary, return on investment projections, ROI breakdown and takeaways, opportunities to pursue, key differentiators that separate LigoLab from other contending LIS vendors, and next steps.

Learn More: Download LigoLab’s Opportunity Report Template

These reports go beyond standard Requests for Information (RFI) documents by tailoring recommendations to the lab’s needs. Rather than just listing laboratory information system functions and features, the Opportunity Report provides a customized evaluation of how next-gen LIS system technology can improve existing workflow and finances.

“The main goal is to point out inefficiencies and pain points, then provide actionable solutions to address them,” added Still.

Industry Insights: Bridging the Gap in Modern Laboratories: Why a Comprehensive Digital Platform Outperforms a Basic Lab Information System

The Unique Advantage of Having Experienced Lab Professionals on the Vendor Team

A key differentiator in the assessment process is having LIS software vendors with extensive real-world lab experience. Still and Bull, for example, successfully transitioned from laboratory leadership roles to key management roles with LigoLab, bringing deep industry expertise with them.

“Every LIS company will provide a proposal highlighting their software’s strengths. However, we take it further by ensuring the medical LIS aligns with the specific lab’s workflow,” said Bull. “We aren’t just selling lab pathology software but improving real-world laboratory operations.”

Their hands-on laboratory experience enables them to recognize challenges and inefficiencies that other laboratory information system companies may overlook.

“I started at the lowest level in the lab as a medical lab assistant and worked my way up to lead in the molecular lab. That bottom-up experience helps me understand workflow pain points at all levels,” said Still.

Similarly, Bull spent 26 years in laboratory operations, overseeing Anatomic Pathology, Molecular, Cytology, Clinical, Laboratory Revenue Cycle Management (Lab Billing), Human Resources, Quality, and Finance.

“There’s no department or workflow in the lab that I haven’t had hands-on experience with. I understand what it takes to implement meaningful improvements,” she said.

Learn More: A Closer Look at LigoLab’s Commitment to LIS System Innovation

Enhancing the LIS System Selection Process

The ideal time to create an Opportunity Report is in the later stages of evaluating a laboratory information system - after the lab has engaged with a vendor or vendors of choice and completed initial demonstrations. At this point, an on-site assessment helps determine how well the LIS system aligns with the lab’s specific workflow and operational needs. 

“If the lab is seriously considering a vendor but needs more support in understanding the potential impact, we step in to provide that,” explained Still. 

By aligning the Opportunity Report with the sales proposal, laboratories gain a clear, data-driven evaluation of the LIS system’s value proposition, allowing them to make an informed decision before committing to a system.

“From a laboratory’s point of view, it’s a win-win situation. Even if they don’t choose our LIS system, they walk away with a document that outlines areas where they can improve efficiency,” said Still.

Learn More: How to Turn Your Mid-Sized Medical Laboratory into a Thriving Large-Scale Operation

Conclusion: Expert-Led Assessments and Opportunity Reports Drive LIS System Optimization

Through firsthand observation, lab information system experts can uncover inefficiencies that might have gone unnoticed, offering LIS software solutions tailored to a lab’s unique workflow. 

The subsequent Opportunity Report serves as a strategic blueprint, helping decision-makers quantify the impact of an advanced LIS system, visualize workflow enhancements, and calculate the return on investment (ROI) before committing.

What sets this process apart is the deep industry expertise brought by LigoLab and former laboratory professionals like Still and Bull. Their firsthand experience ensures recommendations go beyond generic pathology lab software benefits, focusing on real-world solutions that improve laboratory operations in meaningful and measurable ways.