Case Study.

Optimisation of the entire QC laboratory environment

Maturity assessment and optimisation of the laboratory process landscape.

The Challenge.

The preliminary goal was a short industry best practice benchmark analysis of QC processes and tools with a focus on transparency and efficiency. The status quo diagnosis revealed an insufficient laboratory infrastructure (fume cupboards, office space, equipment, route planning) as well as a lack of interfaces between production and research and development. In addition, time-consuming documentation was done in paper-based journals and the control of laboratory utilisation and throughput was manually compiled from various data sources. A visual laboratory performance management was not available and it was not possible to plan the utilisation due to the lack of interface communication and the lack of granularity of the sample forecast.

The Benefits.

  • Introduction of a new laboratory structure with clear roles and responsibilities
  • Restructuring of the organisational set-up within the QC with autonomous, self-organised working groups
  • Training staff in new technologies and lean philosophies
  • Revision of the process landscape incl. sample receipt, physical sample flow, capacities and pathways Planning
  • Definition of suitable KPIs and design of digital dashboard prototypes
  • Promoting interface collaboration through Joint Understanding Workshops

The Outcome.

25%

Improving productivity or sample throughput

Mind-Set Change

and enjoyment of continuous optimisation across all quality control interfaces

45%

Reduction of the effort for documentation and control

The Result.

Increase QC productivity in 9 months