@article{LIN2026, 
author = {Cuirong LIN and Qingqiang LIN and Chaobin XU},
title = {Exploring instruments and equipment management at university field scientific observation and research stations from a life cycle perspective},
year = {2026},
journal = {Experimental Technology and Management},
volume = {43},
number = {3},
pages = {275-280},
keywords = {colleges and universities, field scientific observation and research station, instrument and equipment, whole life cycle, management strategy},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.16791/j.cnki.sjg.2026.03.035},
doi = {10.16791/j.cnki.sjg.2026.03.035},
abstract = {ObjectiveInstruments and equipment serve as the foundation for scientific observation and continuous monitoring in field scientific observation research stations of colleges and universities. In recent years, the nation has placed significant emphasis on the construction and development of field stations. The development and refinement of university field stations have led to a concomitant expansion in the array of field instruments and equipment utilization. A variety of field instruments are utilized for diverse research objectives, each aligning with distinct management standards and usage requirements. The deployment of these instruments in complex and ever-changing natural environments necessitates heightened standards for installation, debugging, usage, maintenance, and disposal upon obsolescence. These requirements have introduced additional challenges to the management of field instruments and equipment. Consequently, the integration of the concept of whole life cycle management and the enhancement of the management of field station instruments and equipment to optimize their usage benefits constitutes a pressing and challenging issue that universities must promptly address.MethodsThis study employed the “Mountain Forest Carbon Sink Field Scientific Observation Station of Fujian Province as a case study. The research focused on the management of instrumentation and equipment. The distinctiveness and complexity of the field platform relative to the interior of a laboratory were taken into consideration. The challenges and deficiencies in the management of field station instruments and equipment were analyzed and discussed. The whole life cycle theory was integrated into the management of field instruments and equipment. Solutions and management strategies were proposed for field scientific observation research stations.ResultsThis study examined the management of field instruments and equipment in higher education institutions. Key findings indicate that effective management of field instruments provides a solid foundation for a national innovation-driven development strategy. Moreover, it is imperative to optimize university resource allocation and control costs. Lastly, effective management is crucial for ensuring continuous and precise observational activities in the field. Numerous challenges and inadequacies emerged in the supervision of field instruments and equipment in academic institutions. The extent to which purchased instruments and equipment can be adapted to field conditions was not fully demonstrated. Additionally, the budgeting process did not consider the concept of whole life cycle costs. The discrepancy between the environmental conditions and the installation and commissioning processes rendered continuous, precise positioning, monitoring, and operation maintenance extremely challenging. The technical assessment for the decommissioning of field instruments was deemed inadequate, and the disposal of the equipment posed potential safety hazards. The study thus proposed management strategies for the instruments and equipment of the university’s field scientific observation research stations. The management strategies employed were as follows: First, the comprehensive purchase review must be strengthened, and the whole life cycle cost management of field instruments and equipment must be strictly controlled. Second, efforts must be made to optimize the compatibility between field instruments and equipment, as well as environmental conditions. Furthermore, the entire process of operation and maintenance must be strengthened to ensure its effectiveness. Third, standardization of the technical appraisal for the decommissioning of field instruments and equipment is imperative, as is the strengthening of the entire chain of safety disposal.ConclusionsA notable enhancement was observed in the life cycle and usage efficiency of the field instruments. This enhancement provided substantial support for scientific and technological innovation, talent cultivation, demonstration and application, and popular science education in institutions of higher education. Additionally, it furnished reference materials and guidance for the management of instruments and equipment in remote regional innovation and technology platforms of institutions of higher education.}
}