INDUSTRY NEWS - The Facts of Life According to Mark

Instrument Obsolescence or a Sales Tool for the OEM?

With research dollars growing more scarce, scientists are trying to keep their laboratory instruments operational for as long as possible. They are discovering a secret weapon in ISO service.

While Original Equipment Manufacturers, (OEMs) are dismissing many instruments as obsolete and raising prices on parts of others that are just out of production, a good ISO can keep these necessary tools functioning as they were designed.

The goal of OEMs is, of course, to sell more equipment; their bottom line is sales driven and always has been. Manufacturers view service as an adjunct to sales. We believe that expensive instruments should not be taken out of service that easily by an OEM's proclamation declaring a certain product obsolete.

A good ISO has multiple sources for parts for the equipment they service. If that company is a member of the National Independent Service Association (NISA) it can also draw from a nationwide network of Independents should parts become in short supply.

If you want to get the most from your equipment purchase, try using an ISO for service and maintenance after the warranty period expires. It is a great way to stretch your grant money and keep valuable equipment out of the landfill. It is really not surprising that ISO service is becoming a more popular alternative to OEM service with the savvy lab manager.

Mark Circo