LEAN TRANSFORMATION Douglas’ targeted growth and expansion was predicted to have enormous impact on their laboratory operations. Information automation management was identified as a necessity for their regulated New Zealand Quality Control Department to support the corporate strategy. A “Smart Labs” program was established, and based on capacity and utilization studies, the opportunity for over 20% efficiency gains was identified, including the introduction of a lean initiative, organizational structure review, and centralization of services. However these benefit opportunities could not be fully realized if not supported by automation and the implementation of a LIMS system. To minimize immediate headcount increases and unsustainable ongoing increases, the lean journey of wh

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