Tangible benefits for laboratories through lean management?

In industry, the approach of lean management with its various methods has already become established. Lean processes in the interest of the customer, minimization of waste and continuous improvements along the entire value chain have become the standard in manufacturing companies worldwide - and a guarantee for sustainable competitiveness.

The application of lean management in the laboratory is described by the term "lean lab". And "Lean" as a concept is also on the road to success in the science-driven world of laboratories. Several studies in recent years have impressively demonstrated that laboratories can reduce errors, shorten lead times and cut costs with the concept of the lean lab. Laboratory employees can also benefit from lean techniques - through laboratory equipment that is better adapted to the respective workflows and optimally coordinated process sequences.

Lean management is not a universal method, but the generic term for a whole range of measures and techniques. Perhaps you have heard of Kaizen, value stream mapping or the Deming circle. For the Lean Lab, the techniques must be carefully selected and adapted to the respective actual situation. Digitalization supports the Lean Lab in this process, because with the Internet of Lab Things as well as powerful inventory and instrument management, existing weaknesses can be uncovered and processes can be optimized without negatively impacting the daily work routine.