The Advantages of Having an In-house Calibration and Maintenance Team in a Pharmaceutical Lab
In the pharmaceutical business, the precision and reliability of analytical lab equipment is critical. Ensuring that this equipment is properly maintained and calibrated can significantly impact the quality of results, compliance with regulatory standards, and overall operational efficiency of a lab.
For the past ten years Hanley have worked with some of Irelands biggest Pharma manufacturers to develop and staff in-house fully augmented calibration and maintenance teams for lab and analytical equipment. Hanley have worked with customers to develop internal procedures and processes and operate within the structure of the customers workforce. Our training and responsibilities are the same as that of Staff without the need for additional HR management. This allows Hanley to effectively “staff-up” quickly for projects and periods of increased workloads. Our workforce has years of experience working on Lab equipment with OEM training highly developed and refined procedures and processes that can be implemented on customer sites.
Key advantages of having such a team within a Pharmaceutical Lab Environment:
Improved Equipment Reliability and Accuracy
Analytical lab equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, mass spectrometers, and spectrophotometers, require regular maintenance and calibration to function correctly. An in-house team can provide timely and routine service, ensuring that equipment is always in optimal working condition.
This reducing the likelihood of equipment failure and ensures accuracy and reliability.
Rapid Response to Issues
Having a dedicated team on-site allows for immediate troubleshooting and repairs. External service providers may require scheduling and travel time, leading to delays that can disrupt laboratory operations. An in-house team can quickly address issues as they arise, minimizing downtime and keeping projects on track.
Simple issues like a broken probe on a PH meter or a dropped pipette can leave a lab without vital equipment while waiting for an off-site vendor to respond to the issue.
Cost Efficiency
Although training and equipping an in-house team requires a significant initial investment, it often results in long-term cost savings. For example, one customer saved over €500,000 in five years by reducing external contract costs, using alternative standards and spare parts, and completing work in-house. Regular in-house maintenance extends the lifespan of expensive equipment, reducing the need for replacements.
Our team has also provided justification for using equipment beyond the OEM’s recommended replacement date. Additionally, handling 90% of issues internally significantly cuts costs associated with external service contracts, call outs, and emergency repairs.
Enhanced Compliance and Documentation
Pharmaceutical labs are subject to stringent regulatory requirements from bodies such as the FDA and EMA. An in-house team can ensure that all calibration and maintenance activities are thoroughly documented and performed in accordance with these regulations by following developed internal procedures.
This ensures compliance and consistency and can be invaluable during audits and inspections.
Customized Maintenance Programs
An in-house team has an intimate understanding of the specific needs and workflows of the lab. They can develop customized maintenance and calibration schedules tailored to the equipment and usage patterns, working with lab managers to schedule activities.
This personalized approach can lead to more efficient and effective maintenance practices compared to generic service plans offered by external providers.
Increased Flexibility and Control
Managing maintenance and calibration in-house provides greater flexibility in scheduling and prioritizing tasks. Labs can adapt quickly to changing project requirements and equipment needs without being constrained by external service provider availability.
This control allows for more strategic planning and resource allocation.
Knowledge Retention and Expertise Development
An in-house team builds a deep knowledge base about the specific equipment and operational nuances of the lab. This expertise is retained within the organization, leading to continuous improvement in maintenance practices and problem-solving abilities.
Over time, this can foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the lab.
Improved Communication and Coordination
Having maintenance and calibration personnel as part of the internal team facilitates better communication and collaboration. Scientists and technicians can easily convey their needs and concerns, leading to more effective and timely solutions.
This close working relationship enhances overall lab efficiency and effectiveness.
In-House Vendor Management
Hanley can work as intermediaries with external vendors to ensure that our customers receive the best service level on equipment that requires OEM / Vendor maintenance. We have extensive experience in ensuring that our customers standards are maintained and documented effectively.
In the pharmaceutical industry, where precision, reliability, and compliance are critical, having an in-house calibration and maintenance team offers significant advantages. From improved equipment reliability and rapid issue resolution to cost efficiency and enhanced compliance, the benefits are compelling. By investing in an in-house team, pharmaceutical labs can ensure that their analytical equipment is always in top condition, supporting high-quality research and production outcomes.