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One Piece Flow can speed up daily lab work
Simplify processes using a lean lab approach
One Piece Flow is one of the 5 principles of Lean Management, which refers to the method of processing of each task.
In a lean laboratory, changing from batching to one piece flow can reduce lead time and defects, simplify processes and operations, decrease costs and improve quality immediately.
This application note describes how implementing a one piece flow, along with the latest technology, can result in faster daily lab procedures. The example used in the application note is a batch release process step with titration for the determination of sodium. The sample preparation step is performed using an analytical balance. Improvements can be made to the process.
The advantages of one piece flow compared to batching are:
- Significantly less waste, motion and transportation
- Better organized inventory management
- Less space required
- Optimized labor and work time
- Less work-in-progress and waiting time
- 80% fewer work steps
- Significantly reduced risk of defects
- Lower costs
- Higher quality
