Issue link: https://resources.nanotempertech.com/i/1533227
21 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 may not actually be useful to you. Instead of letting those extra features influence your decision, stay focused on only the attributes that matter to your research. For a third-party perspective, you could ask colleagues in the research community what instruments they use. Go through peer-reviewed research that used the technology you're considering, to determine if the platform can address your research challenges. You could also read reviews online to see what is recommended. At this stage, it's important to gather as much information as possible about each technology's benefits and drawbacks. Although this information certainly helps, it may not answer all of your questions. To get all of the details, you may need to contact the vendor. Before you do that, prepare a list of questions that help you determine if the solution is right for your lab. These might include: Are the consumables expensive? Once the experiment is done, how easy is it to understand and analyze the data? Does the platform require extensive training to operate, and is this training offered by the vendor? Does the platform have the throughput I need? What types of upgrades are available? Ask your labmates to participate—they bring a different perspective to the table, which helps to cover all aspects that are relevant for your lab. Pro Tip When you purchase a piece of equipment, you are starting an ongoing relationship with a vendor. When purchasing a platform, scientists o en overlook the step of vetting the vendor's reputation and credibility in the industry. Questions to ask include: 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, and are customers satisfied with the support they receive? 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 1) talking with colleagues who have experience with that vendor, and 2) reading product reviews generated by customers. Tap into your network to learn about a company's reputation. This information helps you decide which vendor offers the best solution for your lab.