Application Of Lean Principles Research Articles

A conceptual framework for the successful implementation of rapid improvement events

Rapid Improvement Events (RIE) are the most common application of Lean principles and practices in the Higher Education (HE) environment to remove waste and improve the flow of university processes. But not all RIE are successful. The literature was reviewed to identify how the steps taken before, during, and after the execution of an RIE may influence its outcomes. Findings highlight several potential errors that may contribute to the failed implementation of RIE and broader concerns about the applicability of Lean in HE.

Lean Supply Chain Management

In current competitive market, efficient supply chain management is essential to achieving sustainable business success. This paper explores the integration of lean principles into supply chain operations and its impact on enhancing the value creation stream. Lean principles, originally developed in the manufacturing sector, focus on waste reduction, continuous improvement, and value maximization from the customer perspective. By applying these principles to supply chain management, organizations can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. The study investigates key lean methodologies, such as Just-In-Time inventory, Total Quality Management and the 5S system, and examines their application in various stages of the supply chain, including procurement, production, and distribution. Through a combination of case studies and empirical data, the research highlights how lean initiatives lead to significant improvements in supply chain performance metrics, such as lead time, inventory levels, and defect rates. Findings demonstrate that lean supply chain practices foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among supply chain partners, ultimately enhancing the responsiveness and agility of the supply chain. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and best practices for implementing lean principles in supply chain management, providing a roadmap for organizations seeking to optimize their supply chain value creation. The application of lean principles in supply chain management not only drives operational excellence but also contributes to greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage. This paper underscores the strategic importance of lean thinking in creating a robust and value-driven supply chain.

Applying Lean Principles in SAP EWM (Built-In Functionalities and Optimization Strategies)

This paper explores the application of lean principles within SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), focusing on its built-in functionalities and optimization strategies. Lean principles aim to minimize waste and maximize efficiency, aligning well with the goals of warehouse management. By leveraging features such as slotting and rearrangement, cross-docking, wave management, labor management, and kanban functionality, organizations can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Through an examination of these functionalities and their alignment with lean principles, this paper offers insights into how businesses can optimize their warehouse operations within the SAP EWM framework.

Conversion of a classical microbiology laboratory to a total automation laboratory enhanced by the application of lean principles.

Laboratory automation in microbiology improves productivity and reduces sample turnaround times (TATs). However, its full potential can be unlocked through the optimization of workflows by adopting lean principles. This study aimed to explore the relative impact of laboratory automation and continuous improvement events (CIEs) on productivity and TATs. Laboratory automation took place in November 2020 and consisted of the introduction of WASPLab and VITEK MS systems. CIEs were run in May and September 2021. Before the conversion, the laboratory processed about ~492 samples on weekdays and had 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff for a productivity of 49 samples/FTE/day. In March 2021, after laboratory automation, the caseload went up to ~621 while the FTEs decreased to 8.5, accounting for productivity improvement to 73 samples/FTE/day. The hypothetical productivity went up to 110 samples/FTE/day following CIEs, meaning that the laboratory could at that point deal with a caseload increase to ~935 with unchanged FTEs. Laboratory conversion also led to an improvement in TATs for all sample types. For vaginal swabs and urine samples, median TATs decreased from 70.3 h [interquartile range (IQR): 63.5-93.1] and 73.7 h (IQR: 35.6-50.7) to 48.2 h (IQR: 44.8-67.7) and 40.0 h (IQR: 35.6-50.7), respectively. Automation alone was responsible for 37.2% and 75.8% of TAT reduction, respectively, while the remaining reduction of 62.8% and 24.2%, respectively, was achieved due to CIEs. The laboratory reached productivity and TAT goals predefined by the management after CIEs. In conclusion, automation substantially improved productivity and TATs, while the subsequent implementation of lean management further unlocked the potential of laboratory automation.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we combined total laboratory automation with lean management to show that appropriate laboratory work organization enhanced the benefit of the automation and substantially contributed to productivity improvements. Globally, the rapid availability of accurate results in the setting of a clinical microbiology laboratory is part of patient-centered approaches to treat infections and helps the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs backed by the World Health Organization. Locally, from the point of view of laboratory management, it is important to find ways of maximizing the benefits of the use of technology, as total laboratory automation is an expensive investment.

Application of lean principles for building refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka

PurposeA comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the lean principles and the challenges of building refurbishment. To have an in-depth investigation of the application of lean principles to address the challenges of refurbishment projects, ten expert interviews following a qualitative research approach were utilised in this research. Data were analysed using manual content analysis to derive the framework.Design/methodology/approachThe refurbishment of buildings has attracted the attention of the present construction industry. However, uncertain project characteristics, information deficiency, limited space for construction activities and less stakeholder involvement make it complex. Since the lean concept effectively deals with complex and uncertain projects, this study focusses to investigate the application of lean principles to overcome the challenges of refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka by developing a framework.FindingsIt was found that the five main lean principles of customer value, value stream, value flow, pull and perfection are appropriate for building refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka. Precise identification of clients and end-users, value adding and non-value adding activities, interruptions and stakeholder communication chains, setting scope, examining the possible technologies and taking measures to deliver the exact product to ensure the successful application of lean principles for refurbishment projects. Further, 27 benefits of five lean principles were identified which can be used to address the 13 identified challenges of building refurbishment of projects. Finally, a framework has developed portraying the application of lean principles in building refurbishment.Practical implicationsThe framework developed is beneficial for the building refurbishment project team to address the barriers of refurbishment projects by applying lean principles.Originality/valueThis framework can be used as a guideline for the implementation of building refurbishment projects by addressing their challenges with lean principles.

Sometimes More is More: Adding a Course Manual to Your Syllabus

This article presents a rationale, as well as practical guidelines, for incorporating a “Course Manual” into the standard course syllabus. The primary goal is to simultaneously increase student success and decrease faculty workload. Relevant literature on effective syllabus construction is reviewed. A novel approach, based on the application of lean principles and strategies, is proposed to reduce student frustration and capitalize on intrinsic motivation. Common benefits for both students and faculty are described, and sample content is provided

Acceptance and utilisation of lean principles as a business improvement initiative at an academic library in South Africa

This study used a case study approach to explore how librarians understood lean principles and the extent to which they used these principles to improve their practices. Lean principles have the potential of improving the process in the operation of organisations. The application of lean principles in many organisations, including academic libraries, seems to be limited. Although there is much scholarly communication on the successful implementation of lean principles, no research could be found on the implementation of lean principles in the processes and workflows of creating access to e-resources in academic libraries. An exploratory qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm informed this study. A purposive sample of 12 participants was interviewed and the data were analysed, using the reflexive thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti 22. The participants were not familiar with lean principles. However, they could articulate their responsibilities of the processes and workflows in creating and managing access to e-resources in their workspaces. The empirical data from the lean waste exercises affirmed that should lean principles be implemented in the processes, and workflows to streamline access to e-resources at the academic library it will enhance the delivery of an excellent customer service. The findings of this study can inform policymakers and librarians on how the implementation of lean principles to the processes and workflows can enhance and streamline access to e-resources.

AB116. SOH23ABS_029. Streamlining skin cancer care: the application of lean principles to the non-melanoma skin cancer pathway

AB116. SOH23ABS_029. Streamlining skin cancer care: the application of lean principles to the non-melanoma skin cancer pathway

Application of lean principles for efficiency enhancement of BIM process

Application of lean principles for efficiency enhancement of BIM process

Can lean principles assist to reduce BIM implementation costs? A contemporary application of lean principles to the Sri Lankan construction industry

PurposeBuilding information modelling (BIM) claims to be spearheading the modern technological revolution in the global construction industry. While scholars have emphasised the cruciality of BIM, associated costs have been identified as one of the major barriers to successful BIM implementation, as is the case in Sri Lanka. Besides, lean principles (LPs) are known for increasing efficiency, quality and eliminating waste, thereby reducing overall costs. Hence, this research aims at addressing the BIM implementation barrier associated with costs by applying suitable LP, enhancing overall value by minimising value-insignificant activities.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research approach. 10 experts with expertise in both BIM and LP were targeted for the primary data collection through semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analysed using manual content analysis.FindingsResearch findings discovered the cost centres that can be applied to the LPs and the effective LPs that can be applied with the cost centres of BIM implementation. The theoretical implication of the study is to provide insights into a potential application of LP for BIM cost centres, whereas practical consequences include the identification of LP's potential to minimise BIM cost centres, ergo, achieving a successful BIM implementation.Originality/valueThis study will be the first of its kind in the Sri Lankan construction industry, intending to apply LP with BIM implementation cost centres to achieve a successful implementation. This research also has paved the way forward for further research on the application of both the BIM and LP concepts for similar construction industries in developing countries across the world and in addressing other BIM implementation barriers.

Application of lean principles in a medicare insurance counseling service learning course

BackgroundLean principles are increasingly applied in healthcare to improve quality and cost. A service-learning course providing Medicare insurance counseling requiring rapid transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for pharmacy students to apply lean skills. Educational activityStudents, already introduced to lean skills earlier in their curriculum, enrolled in the insurance education certificate during their third year in Fall 2020. Students were oriented to the mandated service delivery restrictions. After a review of lean principles, students analyzed existing process for in-person counseling using a value-stream map. Students worked in teams to complete a cause analysis and develop solutions. Collaboratively, students clarified the value of the Medicare insurance counseling services to the community, adapted these components to accommodate environmental risk, and developed standard work for client acquisition, communication procedures, and service delivery to optimize client satisfaction and safety. Outcomes compared before and after application of lean skills included number of pharmacy students completing insurance counselor training, number of clients counseled, and the mean out-of-pocket savings identified for Medicare beneficiaries. FindingsStudents applied lean skills to transform an insurance counseling service by developing and implementing a future state value-stream map and new standard work. Overall Medicare insurance counseling service metrics decreased compared to previous years, but the service was sustained despite pandemic restrictions. Application of lean skills and service redesign provided a method for students to provide services via telepharmacy. Application of lean principles increased student engagement with the course and provided an opportunity to practice quality improvement skills. Lean provides a flexible set of skills that can be introduced and applied in different pharmacy instructional settings.

Exploring Applicability Of Lean Principles In SWM For Patna Municipal Corporation

Exploring Applicability Of Lean Principles In SWM For Patna Municipal Corporation

Challenges to the implementation of lean practices in higher education: Is the culture in higher education conducive to adoption of lean principles and philosophy?

Lean in higher education, often abbreviated as LHE, has grown in interest over the past 20 years. The application of lean principles has been observed in higher education institutions throughout the world. Many researchers have investigated both the success and the failure of lean in higher education. Although lean originated in the automotive industry, and both the automotive industry and higher education report success and failure, there is no comparison of the factors between these groups. Culture is cited quite frequently in the literature as a barrier to success. Thus, there is a need for investigation into the cultural differences between higher education and the automotive industry as they relate to lean. This paper uses Schein's three elements of culture to evaluate the differences in culture between higher education and the automotive industry. It concludes with recommendations on how to best deploy the practices of lean in higher education given the cultural differences and challenges between the two sectors.

Optimizing care of visually impaired people in the Emergency Care Units (UPA) – a technical briefing applying Lean concept

Lean principles have been largely used with excellent results in the automotive business and in many other different areas of human knowledge such as health care. The objective of this work is to evaluate the application of lean principles and methods as assistive technology for the optimization of care of visually impaired people in the Emergency Care Units (24h -UPA). To explore this issue, it is proposed an empirical analysis of the environmental performance in one chosen UPA, installing a sensory guidance system and other auxiliary devices following ABNT standards. The idea is to reduce the waste of waiting time of these patients and make this UPA a “state of art” in accessibility for people with visual impairment and used as a “pilot Unit” for innovations evaluation and results comparison with other UPA. Two indicators “Length of Stay” and “Door to Dock” during the service of these patients will be closely monitoring (a kind of fast track service), also aiming the accessibility and inclusion of these individuals, improving their self-esteem and quality of life.

Leveling the Workload for Radiologists in Diagnostic Mammography: Application of Lean Principles and Heijunka.

To facilitate the delivery of accurate and timely care to patients in complex environments, process improvement methodologies such as Lean can be very effective. Lean is a quality improvement methodology that seeks to add value for patients and employees by continuously improving processes and eliminating waste. At our institution, Lean principles were applied to improve efficiency and minimize waste in the diagnostic breast imaging reading room. This paper describes how we applied Lean principles, including plan-do-study-act testing, level-loading (heijunka), and visual management, to level the workload of the diagnostic radiologists in our practice. Implementation of these principles to improve the diagnostic workflow in breast imaging is described along with examples from our practice, including challenges and future opportunities.

Improving the registration process in a healthcare facility with lean principles

Purpose: Process improvement in service industries, like the registration process in a hospital, can be achieved with the application of lean principles. In this specific case, lean principles were essential to analyze and improve patient satisfaction in a hospital in Montana. The clinics involved in the study included pediatrics (P), internal medicine (IM), and cardiology/pulmonary (CP). The purpose of this study was to address difficulties regarding patient satisfaction on the registration and check-in processes.Design/methodology/approach: Direct observations and patient surveys were initially made to understand the processes and identify the initial causes of dissatisfaction. A value stream map (VSM) was then used to break down even further the complexity of the patient flow. A Fishbone diagram and a concept map were completed to get to the root of the dissatisfaction.Findings: The information obtained from the lean tools showed that patients questioned the need for having a central registration in combination with the check-in process when this combination generates duplications of steps that cause unwanted delays. Several recommendations were explored by the engineering team to mitigate these delays and improve the registration process reducing the number of patients complaints by 40%.Practical implications: This project illustrated the application of Lean principles to resolve issues regarding a central registration format in a healthcare facility.Originality/value: A concept map was used as a tool that helps business organizations in the development of creative and new ways of looking and solving process deficiencies.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, Lean, and claims-based quality databases: how does it all make sense?

Healthcare is rapidly evolving toward value-focused objectives, integrating outcomes and cost instead of simply volume. Concepts pertaining to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), Lean, and claims-based risk-adjusted databases can be used to optimize value, but the application of Lean principles and risk-adjusted outcomes is poorly described in perioperative medicine in perioperative medicine. Lean management and process optimization tools allow the consistent application of a perioperative medical framework of ERAS to improve outcomes. Vizient risk-stratified outcomes are often used by hospitals to measure and compare quality. Understanding administrative databases and Lean concepts for change management will allow the perioperative physician to better align medical concepts with health system tools for improving quality and reducing cost.

Process mapping and Lean principles applied to orthognathic surgery

Process mapping in industry is a well-established tool to improve efficiency. It is defined as a quality improvement technique that breaks down a process, or task, into its individual components, or steps, then analyses it. Lean principles are used to reduce waste and produce consistently good outcomes. Improving the operative efficiency of orthognathic surgery has many benefits. There is increasing demand for this complex surgery, and patients have appropriately high expectations with relation to their outcome. There are also increasing pressures for hospitals to reduce costs. In a recent paper by our group (Bowe et al, in press), we have published operating times for orthognathic procedures that are significantly shorter than in previously available series, with an average time for a bimaxillary osteotomy of 2 hours and 19 mins. Through observation of the senior authors’ uniform technique, refined from experience of over 2,000 cases, a bimaxillary osteotomy was broken down into individual steps, all arranged in a process-mapped template with which to increase efficiency and results. We show here the multiple small operative efficiencies we have developed, and the Lean surgical principles which we use. This has enabled us to reduce the operative time of these common procedures, without compromising outcomes. This study presents an approach to process map bimaxillary orthognathic operations and shows how the application of Lean principles improves operative efficiency, and produces consistent results.

Reducing wait time for administration of systemic anticancer treatment (SACT) in a hospital outpatient facility

The demand for systemic anticancer treatment continues to rise due to the increasing numbers being diagnosed with cancer and developments in treatment options. The net result is greater pressure on...

Using lean principles to introduce intraoperative navigation for scoliosis surgery.

Intraoperative 3D navigation (ION) allows high accuracy to be achieved in spinal surgery, but poor workflow has prevented its widespread uptake. The technical demands on ION when used in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are higher than for other more established indications. Lean principles have been applied to industry and to health care with good effects. While ensuring optimal accuracy of instrumentation and safety, the implementation of ION and its associated productivity was evaluated in this study for AIS surgery in order to enhance the workflow of this technique. The aim was to optimize the use of ION by the application of lean principles in AIS surgery. A total of 20 consecutive patients with AIS were treated with ION corrective spinal surgery. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed with real-time modifications. Operating time, scan time, dose length product (measure of CT radiation exposure), use of fluoroscopy, the influence of the reference frame, blood loss, and neuromonitoring were assessed. The greatest gains in productivity were in avoiding repeat intraoperative scans (a mean of 248 minutes for patients who had two scans, and a mean 180 minutes for those who had a single scan). Optimizing accuracy was the biggest factor influencing this, which was reliant on incremental changes to the operating setup and technique. The application of lean principles to the introduction of ION for AIS surgery helps assimilate this method into the environment of the operating theatre. Data and stakeholder analysis identified a reproducible technique for using ION for AIS surgery, reducing operating time, and radiation exposure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(1):5-10.