Lab workflow, research & development and Lean management

Lean management and process improvement are often associated with private sector endeavors, but many professionals in public and nonprofit organizations are beginning to glean similar benefits from optimization efforts.

Scientists have always trumpeted efficiency as paramount to good research, but now they are beginning to apply Lean techniques to laboratory workflow and procedures. However, there is a fundamental difference in objective that sets the world of science and technology apart from its business-related counterparts.

“In industry, much of the focus is on generating profits through new product development and optimized manufacturing processes whereas in academia it is the pursuit of fundamental research that can ultimately be published,” writes marketing manager Chris Stumpf for Lab Informatics.

Large corporations such as Motorola, Toyota, General Electric and Honeywell have all adopted continuous improvement programs to enhance quality, many of which were later applied to laboratory research and innovation. Advocates point out that the level of individual initiative involved in Lean management makes for an organization-wide process that every department can benefit from, including research and development.