The Value of On-Site Assessments and Opportunity Reports for Medical Laboratories

In today’s high-volume medical laboratory environment, efficiency is essential. With thousands of tests processed daily, even modest improvements to clinical lab workflow can produce faster turnaround times, reduced errors, and significant cost savings.

High-performing laboratories do more than keep pace with demand. They optimize resources, empower staff, and consistently deliver higher-quality patient care. In an environment where every second matters, efficiency becomes a competitive advantage, and the labs that master it don’t merely survive; they set the standard.

With these benefits clearly in view, the critical question becomes: What are the most effective strategies for optimizing productivity across the laboratory?

Turning Insight Into Action With an On-Site Assessment and Opportunity Report

At LigoLab, we recognize that the greatest value comes from pairing an On-Site Assessment with a comprehensive Opportunity Report. Together, they offer clinical laboratories and pathology groups the ability to step back with a fresh perspective, identify inefficiencies, refine workflows, and clearly visualize how an advanced laboratory information system (LIS) software tailored to their specific needs can drive digital transformation and sustained growth.

LigoLab’s team of industry experts brings decades of hands-on laboratory operations and transformation insight. At no cost and with no obligation, our specialists will conduct a thorough review of your current workflows, uncover hidden inefficiencies, and deliver actionable recommendations designed to improve productivity and streamline operations across your laboratory.

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The Importance of On-Site Assessments

“At its core, there’s no real substitution for on-site observation and experience,” said Allison Still, LigoLab’s LIS System Product Specialist. “Only so much can be done remotely. Seeing things in person and having face-to-face interactions with LIS system users is invaluable.”

On-site assessments provide laboratory information system companies with direct insight into an organization’s lab workflow processes while outlining potential areas for improvement. Often, laboratory personnel operate with deeply ingrained habits, making it difficult to identify and correct inefficiencies without an outside perspective. 

Jenny Bull, a former laboratory operations leader and LigoLab’s Success Director, further highlights what a pair of fresh eyes can mean for laboratory personnel challenged by LIS system bottlenecks.

“When you've been doing a lab workflow for years, it’s easy to continue doing things the same way without considering potential improvements. Bringing in outside experts with real lab experience offers a fresh perspective,” she said.

Identifying Hidden Inefficiencies Through an On-Site LIS System Assessment

During an on-site assessment, LIS software vendors such as LigoLab can uncover manual and fragmented processes that are prime candidates for automation through advanced LIS lab solutions. Many laboratories still depend on Excel spreadsheets, whiteboards, standalone customer service management (CSM) tools, and other middleware applications to handle critical functions such as send-out tracking, client and patient portals, business intelligence, and customer support.

“If you don’t realize that a modern medical laboratory information system can consolidate all of these functions into a single, unified informatics platform, it’s not something you would even think to ask for,” Bull continued.

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Opportunity Reports: A Strategic Roadmap

After completing a LigoLab on-site assessment, the laboratory receives a comprehensive report that outlines workflow inefficiencies, identifies areas for improvement, and quantifies the potential return on investment (ROI) achievable through an optimized laboratory information system. This report is first developed and then shared during the proposal stage of discussions between the laboratory and its selected LIS system partner.

“We produce and share a 30–40 page slide deck that clearly details the laboratory’s projected ROI and highlights where, as LIS system partners, we see opportunities to improve efficiency across existing workflows,” said Bull.

The report (an example is linked below) includes LigoLab’s assessment of the laboratory’s current state, with department-by-department analysis of operational challenges, along with an executive summary, ROI projections and breakdowns, key takeaways, prioritized improvement opportunities, differentiators that set LigoLab apart from other LIS vendors under consideration, and clearly defined next steps.

Discover More: Download LigoLab’s Opportunity Report Template

A Customized Opportunity Report That Goes Beyond Standard RFI Responses

These reports extend well beyond traditional Requests for Information (RFI) by delivering recommendations tailored specifically to the laboratory’s unique operational and financial needs. Instead of simply cataloging laboratory information system functions and features, the report provides a targeted analysis of how next-generation LIS system technology can meaningfully improve existing workflows and financial performance.

“The primary objective is to identify inefficiencies and pain points, and then present clear, actionable solutions to address them,” Still added.

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The Unique Advantage of Having Experienced Lab Professionals on the Lab Vendor’s Team

A key differentiator in the assessment process is the depth of real-world laboratory experience brought by the LIS company. Still and Bull, for example, transitioned from senior laboratory leadership roles into key management positions at LigoLab, carrying decades of hands-on operational expertise with them.

“Every LIS company can deliver a proposal that highlights the strengths of its LIS software system,” said Bull. “We go further by ensuring the lab information system aligns precisely with each laboratory’s unique workflows. We’re not simply selling pathology software; we’re focused on improving real-world laboratory operations.”

Their extensive laboratory backgrounds enable them to identify challenges and inefficiencies that other LIS providers may overlook.

“I started at the lowest level in the lab as a medical laboratory assistant and worked my way up to leading a molecular lab,” said Still. “That bottom-up experience gives me insight into workflow pain points at every level of the organization.”

Bull brings similarly broad experience, having spent 26 years overseeing a wide range of laboratory operations, including anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, cytology, clinical, laboratory revenue cycle management (lab billing), human resources, quality, and finance.

“There isn’t a department or workflow in the lab that I haven’t worked in directly,” she said. “I understand what it takes to implement meaningful, lasting improvements.”

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Enhancing the LIS System Selection Process

The most effective time to develop an Opportunity Report is during the later stages of the laboratory information system evaluation process, after a laboratory has narrowed its vendor shortlist and completed initial demonstrations. At this stage, an on-site assessment provides critical insight into how well an LIS system aligns with the laboratory’s specific workflows and operational requirements.

“If a lab is seriously considering a vendor but needs deeper clarity around the potential impact, that’s where we step in,” Still explained.

When the Opportunity Report is aligned with the sales proposal, laboratories receive a clear, data-driven assessment of the LIS system’s value, enabling a confident and informed decision-making process before committing to a long-term platform.

“From the laboratory’s perspective, it’s a win-win,” said Still. “Even if they ultimately select a different LIS software, they leave with a detailed roadmap identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and performance.”

Discover More: How to Turn Your Mid-Sized Medical Laboratory into a Thriving Large-Scale Operation

Expert-Led Assessments and Opportunity Reports Drive LIS System Optimization

Through firsthand, on-site observation, laboratory information system experts can identify workflow inefficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed and recommend LIS software solutions tailored to the laboratory’s specific operational realities.

The resulting Opportunity Report then transitions into a strategic blueprint for decision-makers, enabling them to quantify the potential impact of an advanced LIS medical solution, visualize targeted workflow improvements, and evaluate return on investment (ROI) before making a long-term commitment.

What truly differentiates this approach is the depth of industry expertise behind it. With former laboratory professionals such as Still and Bull leading the process, LigoLab delivers recommendations that go beyond generic LIS software claims, focusing instead on practical, real-world clinical laboratory management solutions that drive measurable improvements in performance and outcomes.

Transform Workflow Insight Into Operational Impact

Make your LIS decision with confidence, backed by real-world insight, measurable impact, and a clear view of potential ROI. Start the process by contacting a LigoLab product specialist today. 

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