Communication of results to clients

Abstract

Agricultural Laboratories are in the information business. Information must flow from client to laboratory and back to client. This process should be convenient and fast to encourage more soil testing as a Best Management Practice. Common bottle‐necks in the information flow are: sample delivery, completeness of information sheets, data entry into computer, analyst instructions, analytical data transfer to computer, report generation, and surface or electronic mailing to client. Each step in the information flow cycle must be frequently evaluated to ensure accuracy, promptness, and most importantly cost effectiveness. Changes made to this information flow system need to be clearly communicated to the client at least two months before implementation. Often the old system has to be maintained for the clients that prefer the old way. Changes are more acceptable when the benefits to the client warrant the hassles of learning the new system. Information systems need continual improvements and upgrades for commercial laboratories to maintain their competitive edge. Whoever delivers accurate information the fastest wins the game.