Laboratory Managements: Doing the Right Things and Doing Them Right

Abstract

A well‐managed laboratory is an essential part of any technology‐dependent business. For the laboratory to be effective, certain fundamentals must be in place. At Ferro Corporation, we have identified eight. We strive to assure that all eight, fundamentals are practiced, in both the corporate laboratory and the divisional laboratories. When practiced, these eight fundamentals will return the effort manyfold in laboratory efficiency. The eight are, organizing for effectiveness, written missions for each laboratory, participation in business planning, quality management, quality staff and facilities, appropriate equipment, a project management system, and proper attention to continued learning and professional development of both management and staff. These fundamentals, together with building partnerships between appropriate laboratories, has proven to be a successful formula for the management of technology at Ferro.