Custom automation or off the shelf products?

When laboratories begin exploring automation, one of the first questions they face is whether to invest in off-the-shelf automation products or pursue a custom automation solution. Both approaches have clear advantages and the right choice depends far more on workflow needs than on lab size or budget alone.

This article breaks down the differences between custom automation and off the shelf products, explains where each approach works best, and offers practical guidance on how to reduce risk when making the decision.

Off the shelf automation products are standardised systems designed to address common laboratory tasks. These might include liquid handlers, dispensers, or benchtop robotic platforms with predefined capabilities.

They are typically:

• Faster to deploy
• Easier to specify
• Well suited to standardised workflows

For labs with clearly defined, repeatable processes, off the shelf automation can be an effective way to introduce automation with minimal upfront complexity.

Where off the shelf automation works well

Off the shelf products are often a good fit when:

• The workflow closely matches the product’s intended use
• Variability between samples is low
• Integration with other systems is limited
• Speed of deployment is a priority

In these scenarios, standard platforms can deliver strong value and a relatively low barrier to entry.

Limitations of off the shelf solutions

While off the shelf products are powerful, they are designed around generic assumptions.

As workflows evolve, labs may encounter challenges such as:

• Workarounds for non standard steps
• Manual intervention between automated stages
• Limited flexibility to adapt processes
• Difficulty scaling beyond the original use case

These limitations don’t make off the shelf automation the wrong choice, but they do highlight why it’s important to assess long term workflow needs early.

Custom automation is designed around the specific workflow of a lab, rather than asking the lab to adapt to a predefined platform.

A custom system may:

• Combine multiple tasks into a single automated workflow
• Integrate with existing instruments and software
• Handle complex decision points or variable sample types
• Be designed for scalability from the outset

Custom automation is not about building everything from scratch, it’s about configuring hardware, software, and data capture to match real world laboratory processes.

Where custom automation makes sense

Custom automation is often the better choice when:

• Workflows are complex or non standard
• Multiple instruments need to work together
• Manual steps between processes create bottlenecks
• Compliance, traceability, or containment is critical
• Future expansion is likely

In these cases, forcing a workflow into an off the shelf platform can increase manual effort rather than reduce it.

A common misconception is that labs must choose either off the shelf or fully custom automation. In reality, many successful automation strategies combine both.

Examples include:

• Using off the shelf instruments within a custom automated workflow
• Starting with a standard product and later integrating it into a larger system
• Building modular automation that can accept standard components

This hybrid approach allows labs to manage cost and risk while maintaining flexibility.

Regardless of the route chosen, the biggest risk in automation is not the technology, it’s misalignment with the workflow.

To reduce risk:

• Start by mapping the scientific process in detail
• Identify true bottlenecks and pain points
• Consider how the workflow may evolve over time
• Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price

A workflow first approach helps ensure automation supports the lab’s work rather than constraining it.

At Labman, automation projects often begin with this exact question. In practice, the answer is rarely binary.

Some labs benefit most from a well chosen off the shelf product. Others require a more tailored solution to achieve meaningful gains in throughput, reliability, or data quality. In many cases, the best outcome comes from combining standard platforms with custom integration and control.

The goal is not to automate for automation’s sake but to design systems that deliver long term value, adapt to change, and reduce operational friction.

Choosing between custom automation and off the shelf products is less about which option is “better” and more about which option fits your workflow today and tomorrow.

By focusing on process first, embracing modular design, and planning for future change, laboratories can make informed automation decisions that scale with their needs rather than limit them.