Applying Six Sigma Downtime to Analytical and Bioanalytical Labs

Why Should You Attend:

Attendees will gain an appreciation of both simple (reducing movement) and complex (improving paper and paperless records, lab design) approaches that will improve efficiency in the lab. Increased efficiency in the lab translates to more competitive standing and to greater business. By reducing movement either by placement of ancillary equipment close at hand or by locating instruments in a linear fashion, reducing the number of room used or door passages increases efficiency, reduce risks, and has a positive impact on personnel morale.

The acronym “DOWNTIME” represents efficiency concepts applicable to a wide number of practices including regulated laboratories supporting FDA regulated work. The acronym is expanded to the following: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-utilized Talent, Transportation excess, Inventory excess, Motion excess and Excess processing. This presentation will illustrate how application and reduction or elimination of these wastes will improve lab efficiency and increase client service and benefit.

Attendees will learn how to adapt practices to address these common deficiencies. For example, motion or movement excess can be addressed by simple lab design, keeping disposables (pipette tips, tubes and racks) close to the analyst in the lab and designing lab space and equipment placement to reduce movement and lessen the risk of sample loss. Movement can also apply to document movement for signature and recording. Lessening this waste might be addressed by more efficient paper or paperless records.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

This presentation will cover the following with additional examples and suggestions:

• Defects: Prevention of material or sample loss, reduction of errors
• Overproduction: Formulae for estimating QCs needed
• Waiting: Document signing, Protocol and SOP review
• Non-utilized talent: Engage laboratorians in QC or QA review, audit
• Transportation excess: Movement of materials, reagents and samples with the lab
• Inventory excess: Reagents to minimum or general application
• Motion excess: Keep equipment and instruments near to reduce risk, increase efficiency
• Excess processing: Simplify sample and paperwork processing

Who Will Benefit:

• Laboratorian
• Lab Designers
• Lab Managers
• Lab Directors
• Lab Operations
• QA
• QC

Edward O'Connor
Individual Consultant, HJJ

Dr. O’Connor has been a Director, Manager and Consultant in regulated Analytical and Bioanalytical laboratories in Pharma, Biotech and CROs for over 25 years. He has had direct involvement in lab relocation and design, method development, method, process and instrument/equipment validation.

Follow us :