That’s an important question because Indigo ASCENT™ isn't just a standalone improvement; it is the capstone of a deliberate, multi-year strategy to modernize our entire lab workflow. Our approach wasn't to automate a single piece of the puzzle, but to systematically transform the process from end to end.

We viewed our non-negative testing workflow in 3 distinct stages and tackled them sequentially:

1. Automating the front end: Eliminating the bottleneck
We started at the beginning: sample preparation. This was historically our most manual and time-consuming step. By investing in automated aliquoting, we removed that critical bottleneck. This immediately increased our capacity and consistency, setting the stage for further automation downstream.

2. Modernizing the core: A strategic platform shift
With the front-end streamlined, we focused on the analytical engine. We executed a strategic platform shift to a new, standardized LC-MS/MS system. This was about more than just newer, faster instruments; it was about creating a unified, highly efficient core that simplified our processes, training, and maintenance.

3. Integrating the back end: The final mile with Indigo ASCENT™
This is where Indigo ASCENT™ fits in, and it's the crucial final piece. It automates data analysis and review, effectively connecting our automated front end and modernized core into a single, seamless, "walk away" process.

The result: A world-class, automated workflow

By pursuing this phased strategy, we have done more than just implement new technology; we have fundamentally re-engineered our workflow. By the second half of 2026, we project that over 85% of our non-negative testing will be fully automated, from presumptive positive to final report. This journey has not only dramatically improved our efficiency and turnaround times but has also created a powerful blueprint for future modernization across the entire laboratory.

My philosophy is simple but foundational: a world-class laboratory is, above all, a human-centric one. It’s an ecosystem where talented people are empowered to do their best work, guided by a clear vision, and supported by a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This philosophy is built on 3 core pillars that I’ve learned throughout my career.

First, it all begins with people. Early in my career, I saw firsthand how a single, highly motivated individual could elevate an entire team. As I moved into leadership, I realized my primary role was to cultivate an environment where talent could thrive. This means hiring for attitude and aptitude—skills can be taught, but passion and curiosity are innate. It also means investing in professional development and empowering your teams. A world-class lab isn't run from the top down; you have to trust your people to make decisions and take ownership.

Second, a clear vision is the rudder for the entire operation. A laboratory without a shared goal is just a collection of activities. For me, this has always meant defining what "world-class" means for our organization—is it speed, unparalleled accuracy, breakthrough innovation, or a specific combination? That definition must be clear, shared by everyone, and translated into actionable priorities that guide the team's daily work.

Finally, execution and accountability are where the vision meets reality. You can't improve what you don't measure. In a complex laboratory setting, this requires:

• Focusing on the right metrics. The key is to identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that truly reflect the health of the operation, not get lost in a sea of data.

• Fostering a culture of accountability. This isn't about blame; it’s about ownership. When everyone feels accountable for their part of the process, the entire system becomes more robust.

• Maintaining a relentless focus on execution. A great strategy is only as good as its execution, which demands discipline, attention to detail, and a constant drive for improvement.

And of course, it's vital to celebrate success. In a high-pressure environment, pausing to acknowledge achievements, both large and small, is essential for sustaining a positive, human-centric culture.

What’s most exciting is that we are giving our scientists time to be scientists again. We are empowering our brilliant team to move beyond the time-consuming aspects of manual data review and focus on critical thinking and complex analysis. This investment in automation is truly an investment in our people and their expertise. It allows them to apply their knowledge where it matters most, which directly translates into a better, faster, and higher-quality service for the clients who trust us with their programs every day.

ASCENT allows us to create a "unified multi-instrument method" that embeds our lab's specific SOPs directly into the software. It’s not just about data processing; it's a sophisticated system that automates the application of our scientific expertise. Its advanced peak processing reveals the true chromatographic data, and the software then automatically reviews it against our quality rules. Instead of sifting through thousands of data points, our scientists can now focus only on the identified exceptions. Indigo calls this "Releview"—a faster, more targeted, and more powerful way to certify results.

The benefits directly address the core challenges of our customers: ensuring quality, timeliness, and compliance. I see 3 primary advantages:

1. A single, unified quality standard: ASCENT ensures that every instrument and every assay adheres to the exact same quality rules. This eliminates variability and provides one source of truth for our data, resulting in unmatched consistency and defensibility for every result
2. Accelerated and more efficient workflows: By automating the vast majority of data review, we drastically reduce manual review time. This allows our scientists to "focus on bigger issues and opportunities," as Indigo puts it. For our customers, this means we can deliver high-quality results faster and increase our capacity to meet their needs
3. End-to-end digital compliance: The software provides a seamless, bi-directional LIS integration that puts an end to manual transcription. This creates a fully traceable, highly compliant digital workflow that minimizes the potential for human error from the moment a sample is analyzed to the final report