In-House IT vs Managed Services
Compare managing your lab informatics internally vs outsourcing to managed services experts
Trusted by leading diagnostic labs and life sciences companies
In-House IT
Internal Team Management
Hire and manage your own lab informatics team to support LIMS, interfaces, and IT infrastructure.
Advantages:
- Direct control over priorities
- Deep organizational knowledge
- Immediate availability
- Aligned with lab culture
- Full-time dedication
Managed Services
Outsourced Lab Informatics
Partner with lab informatics experts who provide ongoing support, development, and strategic guidance.
Advantages:
- Access to specialized expertise
- Predictable flat-rate costs
- No hiring/training overhead
- Broader industry experience
- Continuous improvement
Key Comparison Factors
Cost
$150K-$300K per FTE (loaded)
$5K-$20K/month (flat rate)
Expertise
Limited to individuals hired
Full team with diverse skills
Response Time
Immediate (if available)
48-72 hour turnarounds
Scalability
Slow (hiring takes months)
Instant (team already exists)
The Hidden Costs of In-House
Recruitment
Finding lab informatics specialists takes 3-6 months and recruiters
Training
Learning your specific systems takes 6-12 months before full productivity
Retention
Lab informatics professionals are in high demand and may leave
Coverage
Vacation, illness, and turnover leave gaps in coverage
Skills Gaps
One person can't know everything (LIMS, HL7, databases, etc.)
Knowledge Loss
When staff leave, institutional knowledge goes with them