Vision of a Microbiology Laboratory of Excellence using Lean Methodology

Abstract

The outstanding growth and development at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Gurabo, Puerto Rico is leading it to become a laboratory of the future. They are receiving, analyzing and delivering results for microbiological tests have created a high demand on available space. Focusing on Lean processes in a laboratory will be the focus of this project concerning the best storage equipment options to create needed spaces in the Microbiology Lab. Lean processes are a form of continuous improvement focusing on testing products and materials to deliver efficient results in identifying and eliminating “waste”. The utilization of the Lean Six Sigma concept was found to be the best tool to conduct the development of the research. Positive results were found in the use of these concepts to free needed space. In addition, logistics of handling microbiological testing processes were improved to avoid delay in product results.