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19 How do I pick the right tool? If you've determined that you need an instrument that can measure binding affinity, the next step is choosing the right one for your lab. Sometimes, just the thought of purchasing new technology can be overwhelming—it can be a costly and significant decision. But you can build confidence in your decision by taking the time to think about your needs and how the instrument could fit into your established workflow. What are your research or project goals? What do you need the instrument to be able to do? What are your biggest challenges and bottlenecks in your workflow? Setting costs and budgets aside for a moment, think about what you need in terms of throughput, speed, sensitivity, robustness and precision of data. Be sure to not only think about the immediate needs of your lab, but also consider what you plan to work on in the foreseeable future. For example, today, you may be interested in relatively straightforward protein-DNA interactions, but in a few months, your research may expand to include membrane proteins or other more challenging samples. Your work deserves flexible technology that can support it for years to come. When you are evaluating an instrumental platform for its flexibility, ask the vendor if the platform's hardware and software can be upgraded. This way, you get the most from your system today and in the years to come. Choose an instrument you use frequently because it makes your workflow more efficient, thereby saving you a lot of time and money. Additionally, you may want to choose an instrument you use frequently because it makes your workflow more efficient, thereby saving you a lot of time and money. Finally, consider the ease of use of the technology, since instruments that require a lot of expertise to use are o en abandoned by the laboratory staff once the expert user leaves. 19 How can I find the right solution? Once you have a better idea of what you need, it's time to have a closer look at the various solutions available. In addition to reading through this guide, there are many ways to do your due diligence so you can make as educated a decision as possible. To learn about technologies that measure binding affinity, you can: ظ Visit scientific websites ظ Visit vendor websites ظ Visit online blogs and forums ظ Ask colleagues and peer experts ظ Visit vendor booths at conferences ظ Attend webinars ظ Call sales representatives ظ Look at advertisements and articles in journals (online and print) ظ Listen to the chatter on social media channels ظ Explore scientific groups