Brainbuster Series

One of the first steps in applying Lean tools and techniques is to correctly identify and eliminate waste. Once we eliminate waste we can dig deeper to understand the current condition and work to redesign the process more efficiently. The process requires to observe and ask “WHY” to thoroughly understand the details and identify potential issues. […]

“Go & See”, Learn the Process and Ask Why? When an observation is performed, sources of waste and defective process handoffs are clearly evident to the observer. We begin to see how, why and where defects are generated. Defects are usually unknowingly passed on and by not taking the time to observe, we begin to

The scientific method of problem solving is a principle of Lean similar to PDCA, or Six Sigma to consistently perform waste reduction, process redesign or process improvement in a standardized format. We begin with the problem, determine the data associated with the problem, illustrate the current condition and brainstorm solutions for implementation. The post implementation

Course Description: In this course, we will observe processes that may contain the potential for defects by conducting a“go and see: observation event. We will note types of waste commonly encountered and understand how that waste is applicable to the laboratory. We will discuss the 4 Rules of Work Design by Spear & Bowen, (1999)

In this module, we illustrate the use of the value stream map ( high level view and steps of a process with pertinent metrics to understand the waste and inefficiency and to create flow and establish pull. We review Lean concepts and tools to assist with the identification and elimination of waste, process redesign and discuss

In this module, we continue our discussion about Lean tools and concepts to include process standardization, leveling the workload and continuous flow using the pull system to pull small batches of work through the laboratory. We define the establishment of error proofing critical to remove the potential for a mistake within any laboratory process. The process and