Office Functions Management

A performance standard states requirements in terms of required results with criteria for verifying compliance but without stating the methods of achieving required results. A performance standard may define the functional requirements for the item, operational requirements, and/or interface and interchangeability characteristics. A performance standard may be viewed in juxtaposition to a prescriptive standard, which may specify design requirements, such as materials to be used, how a requirement is to be achieved, or how an item is to be fabricated or constructed (Office of Management and Budget 1998). 

Information systems must be in place to maintain the documentation and to ensure that it is up to date. In addition there is a need to maintain and store quality records and training records. This can be carried out within the Office function of the laboratory under the guidance of a Quality Manager. 

Power management capability has reached most office equipment, but on many devices the feature is not enabled or (for some PCs or monitors) is prevented from functioning. Equipment with functioning power management or that is turned off manually at night and on weekends use considerably less, and devices left fully on constantly use much more. 

This expanded view of task automation includes new capabilities in the the traditional area of instrument automation and in the somewhat newer related field of robotics. In addition it includes a number of functions which are not new to the office and business environment but have only recently become readily available in the laboratory. These are tools such as data base management, scientific text processing, and electronic mail and document transfer. One way to improve technical productivity Is by giving the scientist more time to do science. This can be accomplished through improved efficiency In the office, communication, and information retrieval functions which must be performed as well as by allowing science to be done In new and more efficient ways through the use of computers. 

Office of Information Resources Management. EPA LIMS Functional Specification. Washington, DC Environmental Protection Agency, March 1988. 

Klaus Engel is the managing director of Brenntag Management GmbH and chairman and chief executive officer of the Brenntag Executive Board. He has over 20 years experience in the chemicals and chemical distribution businesses and has held top management functions within the industry for years. He holds a PhD in natural sciences/chemistry from the Ruhr-Uni-versity Bochum. 

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