Evaluating a gas supply chain is like evaluating an iceberg: the part you may not easily see may be the part that gets you in trouble. Look carefully at the total cost of the gas supply above and below the waterline.

Laboratories should also view convenience, security of supply, and cost-efficiency as equally obtainable goals. Through better tracking of supplies, and by reexamining the mode of supply, it is possible to protect vital work while achieving immediate and long-term cost savings.

Finally, look for suppliers willing to work closely with their customers and help them understand their processes and recommend the best gas and equipment solutions to meet their needs. Typically, the customer and supplier handle their respective zones of responsibility. Getting a supplier involved in managing more of the gas supply chain can help a laboratory derive the most out of gas quality, supply requirements and equipment purchases.