Table 2: Key lessons learnt - tips and pitfalls.

	What	Why
Design	plan early with consultants and architects	as inadequate consultancy results in issues that may be irreversible at late stages of building
	set out key priorities	for adjacencies of services, layout implications
	layout lock-in	enables focus on other areas e.g. procurement, financing issues
	bring in vendor discussions early	as specifications, equipment footprints and floor loading are important in the provision of space and infrastructure
	LIS infrastructure	is typically assumed to be without glitches but not always true
	plan for future infrastructure needs	power, IT and water supplies are difficult to add on later
Workflow	workflow priorities	will decide the layout for services, equipment
	efficient specimen delivery from point of collection to laboratory receipt to loading onto automation system and analysers	is key to reducing turnaround times
	institute single CPOE from end-to-end and eliminate secondary specimen labelling	to make it a LEAN process for test ordering and requisition, specimen processing and analysis and result reporting
	have key staff appointed ‘champions’ or form committees and be involved from the onset with regards to design, workflow and relocation logistics	augurs staff empowerment and positive mentality especially during gruelling relocation period and initial post-go-live weeks
Building and Relocation	onsite supervision	for on-the-spot changes such as lab bench positions, getting power, water available for instrument testing
	timely equipment delivery	to allow full testing
	run mock trials	to enable situational tweaks
	schedule parallel teams to work at both original and new sites on Relocation day	to ensure continuity of business/service
	always have a Plan B	for unforeseen events eg. equipment failure