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Labs often perform the same operations repeatedly, causing process steps to become familiar. This makes it difficult for lab operators and management to assess these processes with a critical eye, particularly in the absence of a systematic methodology to help them identify wasteful or unnecessary actions.
Created with the help of both internal and external process experts, Mettler Toledo’s ‘8 Wastes Guide’ will provide lab operators and managers with a concrete methodology for identifying time- and resource-wasting lab efforts. This will help optimise routine work flows, such as buffer preparation, batch release and other common activities. The term ‘8 Wastes’ was originally identified by Toyota’s Chief Engineer Taiichi Ohno within the context of its manufacturing programme.
Mettler Toledo’s guide describes what the eight wastes are, according to the acronym ‘DOWNTIME’, which refers to: Defects; over-production; waiting time; not engaging all employees; transportation; inventory; motion/distances; and extra-processing.
It goes on to provide examples of where these wastes typically occur in a laboratory environment – with examples from a range of work flows – and translates into applicable guidelines for assessing work flows using common lab equipment.
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