Customizing a lab kit can be a complex process that requires significant time and resources. Before considering customization, our sales reps should exhaust all other possibilities to meet the customer's needs. 

TYPES OF CUSTOMIZATION

Level 1 - New configuration of existing lessons

This is the most common type of customization. This is a configuration of existing lessons selected by an Instructor, or via lab alignment from the curriculum development team. There are no alterations to the materials or content.

Level 2 - Custom Materials Request or alteration/subtraction/substitution of Items

Any request outside of a standard level 1 customization will require the rep to get proper approval and to follow the Custom Materials Request Process.

Before customizing, here are some things to consider:

1. Ensure client exceeds 50 kits annually: Our sales reps should only consider customization if the customer requires at least 50 customized kits annually. This is to ensure that we are not creating unnecessary waste and inefficiency in our manufacturing processes.

2. Verify none of our standard offerings meet their criteria: Before considering customization, our sales reps should verify that none of our existing standard offerings meet the customer's criteria. Our catalog offers a wide range of lab kits that can be adapted to meet various scientific needs. By leveraging our existing products, we can provide a solution that is cost-effective and time-efficient.

3. Verify if any pre-existing SKU's from other clients would work via our SKU Look-up tool: In some cases, there may be pre-existing SKUs from other clients that would meet the customer's needs. Our sales reps should use our SKU look-up tool to verify if any pre-existing SKUs would work for the customer.

4. Check with Senior Leadership to see if any discounts can be applied to standard/existing products before customizing: If the customer's needs cannot be met with our existing standard offerings or pre-existing SKUs, our sales reps should check with Senior Leadership to see if any discounts can be applied to standard or existing products before customizing.

SOP: Customizing a Lab Kit

If a sales rep has exhausted all other possibilities and determined that customization is necessary, they should follow these steps:

1. Gather information: The sales rep should gather as much information as possible about the customer's needs and requirements for the customized kit. This includes understanding the specific experiments, required materials, and any other relevant details.

2. Generate a custom Quote: The sales rep should consult with our leadership team to determine if the customization is feasible and to understand the potential impact on our manufacturing processes.

3. Double-check the experiment list: Before developing the Adoption Agreement, the sales rep should double-check the experiment list to ensure that it is correct. This is to avoid any production and pricing errors that may occur if the experiment list is incorrect.

4. Develop the Adoption Agreement: Once agreed upon with the client based on the information gathered, the sales rep should develop an adoption agreement for the customized kit that includes all experiments, pricing, and expiration date.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure that customization is only considered as a last resort and is done in a way that is aligned with our Lean Manufacturing principles. This will help us reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase customer value.