Labs Go Lean
Posted Apr 28, 2011 in Management
What do some large laboratories have in common with Toyota, the world's top auto seller? They are implementing the same production principles—Lean Manufacturing—that Toyota developed 60 years ago to eliminate production waste, achieve quality, streamline workflow, reduce turnaround times, and ultimately become more competitive. Here, laboratory owners share their experiences with Lean Manufacturing and reveal how going Lean can make your laboratory work like a well-oiled machine.
Lean Manufacturing is a management philosophy based on the successful production system developed nearly 60 years ago by the Toyota Motor Corp. The concept gained popularity in the early '80s, when struggling U.S. businesses practicing traditional manufacturing methods began looking for ways to improve their operations to compete in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Likewise, in the past several years, innovative laboratory owners who recognize the...
