USU PR – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the Integrated Research Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (Unit Pelaksana Teknis Laboratorium Penelitian Terpadu/UPT Lab Terpadu), in collaboration with the Bureau of Economics and Development Planning (BEPP), organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Preparation of Equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Special Cost Standards (SBK) for Laboratory Testing Fees. The event took place at the Grandhika Hotel Ballroom on Tuesday (10/28/2025).

The Head of UPT Lab Terpadu USU, Dr. Ir. Rahmi Karolina, S.T., M.T., IPM., GP., explained that the main goal of this two-day activity is to encourage laboratories at USU to obtain ISO-accredited certification.

“We hope that more laboratories within Universitas Sumatera Utara will obtain ISO certification, both ISO 9001 for laboratory management and, most importantly, ISO 17025 for laboratories,” said Dr. Rahmi.

Furthermore, Dr. Rahmi revealed that to support easier and more efficient laboratory services, her team will soon launch a laboratory information system named ELA. This system is designed to ensure laboratory services are more transparent and accountable.

The ideal SOP standards according to accreditation requirements, such as ISO 17025, must be aligned with existing laboratory business processes and meet the required standard clauses. Achmad Tirmizi Hutasuhut, S.T., M.M., President Director of PT QIMS Intrasindo, emphasized that SOPs must also be based on risk management.

“The aspects that must be considered before drafting SOPs are understanding what outputs are expected from the process and how the risks involved should be controlled,” explained Achmad Tirmizi.

The relationship between the effective use of equipment and sustainable testing fees is closely linked to the production of high-quality outputs. According to Nurrahmadayeni, M.Kom., the effective utilization of resources, including equipment, will increase the university’s capacity, whether for educational, research, or service needs.

“This FGD serves as a starting point for designing SOPs so that commercial service outputs can be produced optimally,” she stated.

From the university’s financial perspective, the Head of the Public Fund Verification Subdivision at the USU Finance Bureau, Rafika Suryani, S.Kom., M.H., viewed this activity as a potential source of additional revenue beyond the Single Tuition Fee (UKT). The Finance Bureau is committed to supporting the implementation of testing fees, while ensuring that students’ rights related to UKT for laboratory use are clearly separated to avoid overlapping utilization.

“We are also enthusiastic about obtaining additional income beyond UKT,” said Rafika.