What Is Lean Lab and What Are Its Benefits? A New METTLER TOLEDO Guide Delivers Your Answers
The practical guide outlines the role of combining improved practices with innovative technological solutions when cultivating a lean environment in the laboratory.
A lean laboratory is focused on continually delivering results in the most efficient way. METTLER TOLEDO’s Lean Lab Guide explains easy actions you can take to reduce ongoing costs, shorten time-to-result, and conserve resources without compromising quality.
The term “lean” was coined in 1990 by MIT researchers studying the highly successful Toyota production system. Since then, lean principles have been implemented in many manufacturing sectors where they have proven effective for eliminating mistakes, reducing delays, and improving overall quality.
The successful implementation of lean manufacturing has inspired many businesses to adapt this model to laboratories as well. However, while many key lean principles apply to both environments, lab managers face unique challenges that are often addressed by tailored processing approaches paired with the right technological solution. Even small changes have been known to produce significant results.
When adapting the lean approach to the lab, a detailed list of benefits you can expect include:
- More defined, structured and controlled processes
- More consistent and predictable performance
- Significantly increased productivity
- Shorter turnaround times
- Reduced costs
- Less work in progress
