PLANNING
The planning process is used to ensure that the animal facility management
professionals have a vision and plan for the future. To plan for growth, adding
additional services, or eliminating present services requires communication
with the administration and investigators. The planning stage can be considered
strategic planning in that the management team is looking to meet the
needs and wants of the institution and personnel being served. Planning requires
attendance at conferences and meetings in order to keep current and
knowledgeable of trends in laboratory animal care and use. The needs of
investigators have to be met not only today, but also in the future. Most
research institutions require years of planning to erect new buildings, increase
staff, purchase equipment, or rid the facility of disease. All of these require
additional funds that must be generated either through the per diem system or
by fund raising, neither of which happens quickly.
Sometimes good practices have to be marketed to the users of the services.
Educating and communicating with the investigators and laboratory personnel
accomplish marketing best. Marketing is closely linked with planning.