Analytical laboratory: world class distinction with world-wide connection; from managing instrumentation to managing knowledge

A recent article [F.R. Antonucci, D.A. Barnett, The changing corporate analytical laboratory, CHEMTECH, October 1998] forecasts a change in the way corporate analytical laboratories will operate. At Champion International's Applied Technologies corporate analytical laboratory, this revolutionary change is a movement away from the traditional culture of complete reliance on in-house expertise and instrumentation. Instead, customer needs will be addressed through a network of resources that leverage the both in-house and noncorporate instruments and expertise. We have coined the term “virtual laboratory” for this new laboratory paradigm. This revolution requires the role of corporate analytical scientists to change from one of data and information generators to one of knowledge workers. Associated with this role change is the potential for a dramatic increase in the value of the chemist's contribution to the company, an opportunity for them to function as important business partners with the manufacturing sites and product development centers. The laboratory knowledge workers, the customers, and the virtual laboratory must all work synchronously around prenegotiated expectations regarding cost, quality, and timeliness. The mechanism allowing this change is a Lotus Notes database entitled the Testing Connection. In fact, this database can be viewed as the cornerstone of the virtual laboratory concept. This database allows for the capture of data, information, and knowledge and for collaborative problem solving. All of these capabilities result in faster and better action on customer issues. Also, the migration from problem solving to problem prediction and prevention is achievable.