Academic Health Series
Research Lab Supply Integration
Academic Research Lab Supply Integration Guide
Connecting principal investigators, core facilities, and centralized procurement to streamline scientific supply chains.
Challenges
- Multiple funding sources with different compliance requirements.
- High mix of commodity consumables and specialty reagents/equipment.
- Need for audit-ready documentation of purchases tied to grants.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – Diagram of PI, central stores, supplier integration
Integration Strategy
- Consolidate catalogs within LAC Health portal; flag items eligible under specific grants.
- Implement punchout to eProcurement system with project code enforcement.
- Enable lab managers to track order status and inventory in shared dashboards.
Shared Stores & VMI
- Set up central stockrooms for pipette tips, PPE, buffer solutions.
- Use vendor managed inventory (VMI) for high-velocity items.
- Deploy secure cabinets for controlled substances with logging.
Compliance & Reporting
- Automate spend reports by grant/PI/department.
- Maintain MSDS libraries and hazard documentation linked to purchases.
- Ensure capital equipment orders include asset tagging and warranty tracking.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – Screenshot mockup of grant compliance dashboard
Value Add from LAC Health
- Single portal for laboratory, medical, and facilities supplies.
- Temperature-controlled logistics for sensitive reagents.
- Dedicated scientific support team for sourcing hard-to-find items.