DI Digest – Q2 2026

By Eric Dingfelder, President & CEO

During Lab Professionals Week, with its theme “Lab Story: To Infinity and Beyond for Our Patients,” we’re reminded that laboratory medicine has always been about looking ahead. Every day, lab professionals push beyond today’s challenges—adapting to change, embracing innovation, and ensuring patients receive the right results at the right time. Preparing for what’s next isn’t just a goal; it’s an essential part of every lab’s story.

At Data Innovations, preparation has always been central to how we support our customers. We work to keep laboratories not only operational, but positioned for long-term success as technologies, regulations, and workflows evolve. By focusing on proactive planning—rather than reactive problem solving—labs can reduce risk, protect productivity, and maintain continuity even during periods of transition.

Operating Updated Technology as a Strategic Advantage

Preparing for tomorrow can take many forms. For some laboratories, it begins with evaluating whether core systems are positioned to meet future needs. For others, it may mean addressing cybersecurity posture, assessing workflow efficiency, or ensuring systems are supported and performing as intended.
Instrument Manager™ (IM) remains at the center of many of these conversations. As laboratory environments grow more complex, being on a supported version of IM is essential for maintaining strong security, optimal performance, and access to ongoing enhancements.

With the release of Instrument Manager™ 9.01, there’s never been a better time to update your system. The latest version delivers enhanced cybersecurity protections, faster system start-ups, and more efficient enterprise management tools. In addition, the updated Moving Averages application offers a modernized approach to quality monitoring, supporting labs in maintaining the highest standards. These advancements reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening security and driving greater efficiency for our customers. For tools and guidance on updating your IM software, visit our IM Upgrade Resources page.

Strengthening Operations Through Services and Insights

Beyond core middleware, preparation also means understanding where opportunities and risks exist within daily operations. Changes in staffing, system growth, mergers, or shifting responsibilities can introduce inefficiencies that are difficult to identify without a fresh perspective. This is where targeted services and assessments can play an important role.

Services such as our Technical Health Check and the CPR360 Lab Assessment are designed to help laboratories evaluate their current state across Connectivity, Productivity, and Risk Management. By identifying gaps and areas for improvement, labs can make informed decisions about where to focus time and resources—often uncovering opportunities to improve performance without adding burden to already stretched teams.

At the same time, tools like Lab GPS™ demonstrate how greater visibility and automation can support proactive operations. By enhancing real-time monitoring of LIS and instrument connectivity, Lab GPS helps laboratories identify issues earlier, minimize downtime, and improve overall productivity—reducing the operational impact of unexpected disruptions.

Building Resilience for the Future

Ultimately, preparation is about resilience. It’s about ensuring systems are secure, workflows are efficient, and risks are managed—so clinical labs can continue to deliver reliable results—regardless of what lies ahead.

As we celebrate Lab Professionals Week, we are especially mindful that every lab story is driven by the dedication, expertise, and curiosity of laboratory professionals. Your work makes it possible for every result and patient story to matter—and it’s why we’re proud to support your ability to adapt, plan, and succeed—today and into the future.