Extraction Lab KPIs: What to Track and How
Yield %, throughput, uptime, cost per gram, solvent loss rate, test pass rate and labor hours per batch, with simple ways to track each.
You can't improve what you don't measure. These are the KPIs I use to see how a lab is really doing.
| KPI | What it measures | How to track it |
|---|---|---|
| Yield % | Output weight ÷ input weight per batch | Weigh input and output on calibrated scales; record in the batch record |
| Throughput | Input processed per day/week | Sum of input weights from batch records |
| Uptime | % of scheduled time equipment is available | Log every stop with reason (planned PM vs breakdown) |
| Cost per gram | Total cost ÷ grams of finished product | Labor + consumables + biomass + overhead per batch or month |
| Solvent loss rate | Solvent purchased vs solvent recovered/held | Track purchases, inventory and recovery logs; investigate jumps |
| Test pass rate | % of batches passing state testing first time | From your testing results log |
| Labor hours per batch | Staff time per batch | Timesheets tagged by batch or a simple start/stop log |
Make it a habit
- Pull numbers from records you already keep (batch records, timesheets, purchase logs).
- Review weekly; look at trends, not single batches.
- When a KPI moves, ask why before reacting.
Example: if yield drops across several batches from one biomass supplier, that points at input quality rather than the process.
Questions
What is a good extraction yield?
It depends heavily on input material and product type, so compare against your own history by strain and supplier rather than a universal number.
How do I calculate cost per gram?
Add labor, consumables, biomass and a share of overhead for a period, then divide by grams of finished, released product for the same period.
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