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• How easy is it to get data?
• Does it require training to operate?
• Does it have the throughput I need?
• Is the system upgradeable?
• What service and technical support is available if I have questions?
Remember, you're looking for solutions that solve problems tied directly to your research goals. A lot of technologies
boast cutting-edge features that sound impressive but are not practical for everyday use. Instead of letting those
extra bells and whistles influence your decision, stay focused on only the attributes that matter to you.
For a third-party perspective, you could ask colleagues in the research community what instruments they use, look
through peer-reviewed research that used the technology, and read product reviews found on third-party sites or
the vendor's website. At this stage, it's important to gather as much information as possible about each technology's
benefits and drawbacks.
Pro Tip
Owning a piece of equipment means you'll have an ongoing relationship with a vendor. An
o en-overlooked step of the vetting process is to investigate the vendor's reputation and
credibility in the industry. Questions to ask: How long has the company been around? How
many customers do they have? Are they global? Am I served by a local representative? What
kind of support do they offer? In other words, will this company be with me when I run into
problems? What's their response time, and how active will they be in solving my problem?
The most reliable source for this type of information comes from talking with colleagues who
have experience with that vendor. Tap into your network to learn about company reputations
and decide which vendor offers the best solution for your lab.
