Episode 15: Optimizing Lab Sourcing Insights from Academia and Industry

In this enlightening episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, host David Oliva engages in a comprehensive discussion with Lisa Jones, Director of Higher Education Relations at I.W. Tremont Co. and active NAOSMM volunteer, alongside Jim Averso, Co-President at I.W. Tremont and producer of the LabExact brand of laboratory consumables.

The conversation explores critical aspects of laboratory supply management, including best practices for procurement in academic settings, inventory challenges, and the advantages of American-made products. Lisa shares valuable insights from her 27 years of experience at the University of Alabama, highlighting how institutional policies affect purchasing decisions and the complexities of managing laboratory stockrooms. Jim discusses how I.W. Tremont develops products based on real laboratory workflows and responds to researcher feedback.

Key topics include:

• The role of NAOSMM (National Association of Scientific Materials Managers) in connecting laboratory managers with quality suppliers

• Challenges of cylinder-based nitrogen supply versus on-demand nitrogen generation

• The importance of vendor selection criteria including quality certification, inventory availability, and customization capabilities

• How academic procurement processes vary between institutions and departments

• The value of American manufacturing and family-owned businesses in the scientific supply chain

Whether you're managing university laboratory resources, working in a research facility, or supplying the scientific community, this episode offers practical perspectives on streamlining your supply chain while maintaining research quality and addressing the unique challenges of laboratory operations.

#LabSupplies #AcademicResearch #LabManagement #NAOSMM #ScientificProcurement #ChemistryLab #LabExact