Lean Laboratory Design - The Way of the Future

With growing demands on lab and cleanroom facilities to deliver more for less, a smart, efficient approach to lab workspace design is required.

When designing labs we look to lean principles to support the efficiency and sustainability of our client's lab.

Here are a few points we at Clinical Cabinets consider:

1 Support flow of work

Fewer internal walls and less separation of labs helps promote flexibilty in operations and allows for better communication amongst scientists.

Integrating space for visual management systems to track performance and goals - such as daily boards, visual display screens etc.

Cellular workspace design facilitates reduces waste, supports safety, supports analysts contain their workload.

2 Support effective use of people’s time

Integration of write-up and approval areas into your lab supports the flow of document management and testing.

Include a 'hot desk' in the lab for project work, non-test tasks.

Include a 'brainstorm' island to aid communication and stand-up meetings such as scrum meetings.

Have collaboration areas and meeting rooms adjacent to the lab.

3 Minimize “transport” and “motion” wastes

A common sense point but locating labs near manufacturing supports better chain management.

Colocate or amalgamate labs that share samples, equipment, or storage.

Locate shared lab services such as a glass washer centrally.

4 Minimize space and equipment requirements

Space and equipment requirements should be calculated based on levelled demand rates rather than peaks.

There should be a move away from personal ownership of equipment, bench space, or desks; analysts should operate as true teams sharing resources and workloads.

5 Maximize future configurability

Via flexible bench configurations and (semi-) configurable services (air/extraction, etc.).

6 Support effective laboratory inventory management

Via limited and defined storage at the point of use.

Central lab storage for shared materials or high-volume unique materials.

7 Support effective performance management

By incorporating areas for visual management displays, huddle meetings, etc.

8 Foster lean behaviors and communication

Via centrally located, glass-walled offices for lab managers and supervisors.

Via extensive use of glazing to visually link lab areas.

9 Support excellence in workplace organization and cleanliness (5S)

Via open or glass-fronted cabinets, shelving on benches.

Ideally no drawers (although we all love a drawer unit!)

It seems like a lot to think about, and it is. Call us on 091 776262 or email us on info@clinicalcabinets.com and we will do our best to help.