Do I Need a Lab Relocation Specialist If I Already Have an Owner's Project Manager (OPM)?

Yes, while an owner's project manager is fluent in construction management, they may not have the required technical understanding of laboratory instrumentation, the procurement, service and support requirements, and other critical considerations that affect relocation project phasing and the overall relocation plan.

Bench level knowledge of the assets and laboratory workflows, and an understanding of laboratory personnel requirements to perform their daily tasks, are critical to establishing credibility and cooperation among diverse cross-functional teams of scientists, facilities, lab management and support personnel within the organization.

When Should a Lab Relocation Specialist Be Brought on to a Project?

The earlier you bring a lab relocation specialist onto a job, the better. The exact timing of when you bring on a lab relocation specialist depends on the size of the project and the scope of work. 

Selection criteria should include a thorough understanding of laboratory operations, with the necessary specialized technical and managerial skills to effectively aggregate information that will influence critical decisions. This ultimately affects all constituents involved in the project and allows them to execute their roles successfully. 

For these reasons, it is important to hire a lab relocation expert as soon as you know you will be relocating your laboratory.

How Is the Cost of a Lab Relocation Determined?

Many different variables affect the cost of a lab relocation. Cost categories after design and construction costs can include how the relocation is going to be phased, the number of assets being relocated, the scope of work involved, the replacing and purging of assets, mover and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) costs and multiple other costs associated with decisions made during the process that affect all of the above.

How Will Adding a Lab Relocation Specialist Make My Job Easier?

Lab personnel are already managing the the laboratory and having to juggle all the intricate details of a lab relocation, will pull them, and you, away from their daily duties and responsibilities. Hiring a lab relocation specialist, will allow everyone to focus on the daily challenge of running the lab and focus on the scientific and business mission of the company.

Having the specialized technical and managerial experience and effectively communicating and engaging all constituents to work together as a team, are a few of the necessary skills professional laboratory relocation managers bring to a project to ensure a favorable and predictable outcome.

Knowing your lab relocation is in the hands of an experienced and capable lab relocation manager will provide you with the peace of mind needed for you and your team to run your lab successfully.