Test the Riskiest Assumptions First
In any LIMS implementation, we can’t avoid making assumptions. These are guesses we make about how things will work—like thinking a client’s data will be easy to migrate, assuming our software will integrate smoothly with other systems, or expecting that everyone will learn the new software quickly. These assumptions help us keep the project moving forward, but if we don’t check them carefully, they can cause problems later. The key isn’t to avoid making any assumptions; it’s to manage them well by finding the riskiest ones and testing those first. This way, we can prevent surprises, save time and money, and make sure the project goes as smoothly as possible.
Finding the Riskiest Assumptions
When a project starts, it’s easy to treat assumptions as little guesses we don’t need to worry about. We might think, “We’ll handle it later.” But in any LIMS implementation, there are some assumptions that can create big problems if we’re wrong about them. These are the ones we need to spot right from the beginning.
For example, if we assume moving a client’s data will be simple, we might later find out that their data is more complicated than anticipated, which can lead to a lot of extra work. Or we might assume users will easily pick up new workflows without realizing they need more training. To avoid these issues, we need to focus on finding the riskiest assumptions. The assumptions that could have the biggest impact on our timeline, resources, or the client’s satisfaction. These are the assumptions that we should test first.
Reducing Risks: Test Early
Testing risky assumptions early on helps keep projects on track. For instance, if we assume we can easily move data from an older system, trying out a small test can show us any problems before we’re too far along to make changes. Testing early lets us make better decisions, adjust our plans if needed, and avoid surprises.
Testing doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Small tests can quickly confirm if an assumption is right or wrong. For example, letting users try out a new workflow in a “test” version of the software can show us if they understand it or if we need to make changes to make it easier to use.
Examples: What Happens When Assumptions Aren’t Checked
Imagine a LIMS implementation where the team assumes it’ll be easy to migrate the client’s data, just because a similar project went well before. As they get deeper into the project, they find that the client’s data has extra fields they didn’t plan for. Fixing this at the last minute costs a lot of time, money, and creates tension with the client. If the team had tested their assumption about the data at the start, they would have known about these extra fields early and avoided the hassle.
In another project, the team assumes that users will understand a new workflow without extra training. But when they test the workflow early, they realize some parts aren’t very clear to users. This early test lets them fix the confusing parts and plan training before the software goes live.
Accept and Manage Assumptions Carefully
Assumptions aren’t bad—they’re a normal part of any implementation. In LIMS implementations, we can manage assumptions well by testing the riskiest first and by talking openly with everyone involved. Instead of waiting to see if assumptions turn into problems, we can handle them with care and smart planning.
In the end, assumptions don’t have to hurt a project if we pay attention to them early on. By looking at assumptions closely and testing them, we keep things moving forward and reduce the risk of running into problems later.
