The Laboratory Informatics Countdown Starts

There’s no official date where the countdown for Fall projects starts. If we put a clock on it, it’s probably already started the countdown. At this point, the clock ticks while we silently prepare for the mad rush.

What’s Going on Behind the Scenes, Right Now
Right before the Fall rush, each year, a number of us talk behind the scenes about whether we think it’s going to be a good or bad Fall, business-wise. We discuss every one of the fine points of the economy and, in the end, we come to no conclusion but that we just have to wait until the “rush” to see if it happens or not.

When is the “Rush”?
In different areas, there are slight differences in the “rush” period. In my area, where we’re looking at product selection, requirements gathering, and other implementation services, such as configuration/customization of LIMS and ELN, I think the magic date is Labor Day (to the non-US part of the world, I mean the first full week of September) but some think September 1^st is the magic number.

At that point, each year, within a 2-3 day period, 90% of the customers who need work done for the Fall period will call to see what services are available. While some of that business never materializes, customers don’t realize that it really is a crazy 2-3 day window in early-September. It seems unbelievable but that’s how it happens each Fall.

The Outcome
Each Fall, we hear about customers who are frustrated because they just can’t find enough, if any, resources for their project. Here’s the issue: if you want to beat the rush, you have to prepare yourself earlier than early-September. It’s tough, I know, because people are still on vacation in August and, also, it’s just the mindset that things start in September, that that’s when we all get back to work and get serious about things.

Of course, it’s in the best interest of people like me to encourage you to start your search, early. After all, we want to settle our Fall schedule. It gives us peace of mind, allows better schedule planning, and other similar tasks. But you seriously have to ask yourself how badly you want to staff your project. You also have to consider the product you’re working with. For example, working with the LabWare LIMS where there seems to be a lot of demand and they just never have enough experienced people to staff projects, I still get plenty of work from that product and, as I said, everyone calls at the same time. Some people will call LabWare, first, then call me. But others will get the same idea. Of course, some customers will even call me, first, because they prefer my high-quality, reliable, expert services, to begin with. You’ll be competing with them for my time.

In any case, just like anyone else, I’d like to get my Fall settled. It’s a first-come, first-serve business in the consulting business and that’s just the way it is, whether you plan ahead or not. So, for those that don’t, in a really busy year, you just won’t get your resources when you need them, if at all.

Gloria Metrick
GeoMetrick Enterprises
http://www.GeoMetrick.com/