Implementation of Lean Methodology in Biobanking Operations to standardize sample management processes is effective. Each process has ‘Value Add’ (VA) & ‘Non-value add’ (NVA) components. The non-value add components are considered waste – although it is important to keep in mind that certain NVA components can be required (NVAR) and enforced by regulatory agency and/or company policies. It is important to eliminate waste from the processes as it can lower the profitability, increase customer costs, decrease quality and even decrease employee satisfaction.

 

The 7 wastes of Lean include:

 

Learning Objectives: