In industry, the approach of lean management with its various methods has already become established. Lean processes in the interest of the customer, minimization of waste and continuous improvements along the entire value chain have become the standard in manufacturing companies worldwide - and a guarantee for sustainable competitiveness.
The application of lean management in the laboratory is described by the term "lean lab". And "Lean" as a concept is also on the road to success in the science-driven world of laboratories. Several studies in recent years have impressively demonstrated that laboratories can reduce errors, shorten lead times and cut costs with the concept of the lean lab. Laboratory employees can also benefit from lean techniques - through laboratory equipment that is better adapted to the respective workflows and optimally coordinated process sequences.
Crucial to success: the right technique
Lean management is not a universal method, but the generic term for a whole range of measures and techniques. Perhaps you have heard of Kaizen, value stream mapping or the Deming circle. For the Lean Lab, the techniques must be carefully selected and adapted to the respective actual situation. Digitalization supports the Lean Lab in this process, because with the Internet of Lab Things as well as a powerful inventory and instrument management, existing weaknesses can be uncovered and processes can be optimized without negatively affecting the daily work routine.
What does your lab look like? Do you already apply lean techniques or are you toying with the idea of making your lab "smart" in the near future? Write to us - we look forward to a constructive dialog! post content here…
Tangible benefits for laboratories through lean management?
Jun 24, 2021 12:00:00 PM / by Paul Planje
Tags: On-Demand, DigitalTransformation, _Platform
Written by Paul Planje
I have been working since 1992 on subjects such as efficiency and Productivity increase. Initially in the laboratory and research sectors. Here I made my experiences with analytical instruments and automation. With the change to sales, enterprise solutions such as Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS), Laboratory Execution Systems (LES), Electronic Laboratory Journals (ELN) and Document Management Systems (DMS) were added. In the last years I was engaged in the digitization of processes and their measurements. Scince 2019 I'm running the iVention DACH region supporting our customers to move into the digital lab world.