Meeting the Challenges of People, Process and Interfacing When Digitalising Labs

As the scientific and industrial landscape continues to evolve, digitalisation has become a cornerstone for innovation and efficiency in laboratory processes.

However, to create a truly digital lab, it is not enough to implement advanced technologies, but a thoughtful balance between the people, processes and systems that form the basis of lab operations is required.

This special session at the 12th edition of the PLA® Conference Europe (March, Milan) will address the many challenges encountered on the road to digitalisation. From user adoption and adapting organisational culture to rethinking processes for maximum efficiency and ensuring that systems, instruments and data streams— are seamlessly connected, every aspect is critical to success.

We would like to thank Bob McDowall, Christine Mladek and Jens Donath for leading this session with strong presentations, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Isabel Muñoz-Willery.

Digitalisation & Strategy for Interfacing

Christine Mladek, Head of Global QC Network Management at Boehringer Ingelheim will share her extensive experience about cooperating and collaborating for successful digitalisation projects.

The digitalisation of quality control laboratories requires effective communication and collaboration between IT, Quality Management and Users.  This collaborative approach ensures alignment on project timelines, optimises resource utilisation, minimises transition tome, streamlines implementation and promotes continual improvement. Key factors for success include adherence to lab equipment standards, process standardisation, user-adapted trainings, submission changes and behavioural transformation.  Support from management, process/system owners and a robust governance structure are essential for the successful transformation.

People at the Core: Overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities in digital lab transformation

Jens Donath, Head Project Management Quality at Lonza will highlight the critical role of people in achieving a successful transition to a paperless lab. He will  emphasizes the importance of managing both end-users and technical project teams, addressing resistance to change, cultural shifts, and the need for skill development. Focus is given to ensuring collaboration between the operational and technical teams.

The impact of Regulations and Data Integrity guidance on process redesign

Bob McDowall, Director at R D McDowall Ltd, will focus his presentation on the regulatory compliance aspect of digitisation projects.

When digitalising a regulated laboratory, understanding and simplifying a process is key to unlocking business benefits. However, any redesigned process must ensure that applicable regulations and data integrity guidance documents are complid with. This starts with ensuring that each application selected has the functionality to automate the process and ensure integrity of the records acquired, processed and reported.

How to adopt new Technologies and remain Compliant

To conclude the three presentations, the panel discussion, moderated by Isabel Muñoz-Willery, Ph.D., Owner and Event Director of PLA® Conferences, will continue the discussion and engage with the audience on how to avoid being overwhelmed by compliance requirements while adopting the latest technologies.

Join us as we explore best practises, real-world case studies and actionable strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Whether you are just starting to digitise your lab or looking to refine and optimise your existing efforts, this session will provide valuable insights to help you drive transformation with confidence.

Let’s reinvent the future of labs together — where digitalisation is not a challenge, but an opportunity.

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