Page 35 - FoodFocusThailand No.185 August 2021

STRONG QC & QA

3. Workload 9. CIP Activities
Tips for optimization Tips for optimization
• Set laboratory service hours, • Train staff in root cause investigation methods
for example to at least 6 am to 6 pm • Motivate your employees to get involved with CIP/KAIZEN activities
• Synchronize your workload with the • Measure the progress
previous phase • Be good to yourselves and talk about it!
• Set up an option for urgent analysis Success is measured by the ‘Magic Triangle’The three corners must be balanced
• Assign someone to distribute the From the design, will allow your laboratory more LEAN which means add up the efficient
samples according to the current capacity into the currently work flow and also help the workers to work effectively in this laboratory
and urgency area. This checklist would help you to improve your laboratory which relate to overall work
• Keep a workflow plan for the HPLC/GC process.
• Optimize the set-up times (e.g., for HPLC
or GC)
4. Laboratory Workflow
Tips for optimization More Information Service Info C005
• Optimize the travel distance
• Arrange your analytical equipment
according to technology or in work cells;
it may be necessary to change the layout
of the laboratory
• When you build a new laboratory, take
the unique opportunity to apply Lean
principles
• Make sure that samples flow through the
laboratory
5. Performance Management
Tips for optimization
• Measure your KPIs
• Lead time is a possible KPI
• First pass rate is another
• Visualize the KPIs
• Discuss KPIs regularly with your staff
• Ask your management for the ‘GEMBA
WALK’
6. Laboratories Equipment
Tips for optimization
• Perform regular maintenance on your
equipment. No unplanned breakdowns
• Make sure any necessary accessories
are also stored on site
• Automate existing systems whenever
possible (such as an autosampler and
quicker data transfer)
• Reduce sources of contamination (such
as water baths)
• Practice active obsolescence
management
7. Skills of Laboratory Personnel
Tips for optimization
• Keep skill matrices, not only stating yes/
no, but including details on skill levels of
each employee
• Determine how many cross-skills are
necessary
• Make enough time and money available
• Make regular fitness checks, for example,
for HPLC
• Monitor unplanned absenteeism
8. Laboratory Chemicals / Auxiliary
Material
Tips for optimization
• Use an appropriate laboratory labeling
system
• Manage your materials using the
KANBAN method
• Avoid excessive inventories
• Reduce the number of articles to be used

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