The CleanTech 2022 was an opportunity for CSV Life Science Group not only to participate in sessions of the highest technical level, but also to explain part of his working method: the lean approach.
The Lean approach has long been used in CSV Life Science Group as a laboratory design method. But what does it consist of? At CleanTech 2022, our colleagues had a chance to explain it. On October 18 and 19, 2022, the conference organized by ASCCA, the CleanTech 2022 entitled “The facility of the future”, was held in Milan. As long-time members of the association, we could not help but participate not only as sponsors but also as speakers. Counting on a highly professional and constantly updated team, it was not difficult for us to present a topic at this conference. Our two colleagues, Matteo Martignago and Alice Annichini, participated as speakers in a reflection on laboratory design. Our super expert Alice explored and explained the lean approach, a particular method to the design of modern laboratories. In fact, like any other facility, laboratories, whether chemical, microbiological, or otherwise, are designed to meet the needs of the user to optimize the use of resources and maximize the outcome and the benefit created. Using the lean approach to laboratory design allows minimizing the need for new space by improving work processes, finding solutions to maximize process flow, reducing/eliminating errors and waiting times, and providing bare layout ideas following the Kaizen (continuous improvement) methodology.
What is lean approach in brief

The lean approach, through its tools (i.e. Sipoc, Gemba, Capacity Analysis, Bubble Layout with SWOT analysis, and Spaghetti chart) allows the CSV team to design layouts with optimized configurations from the point of view of flows and spaces in the process. The benefits of the lean approach proved to be twofold. For us, it has allowed us to make the design leaner and more focused on the end goal; for the client, on the other hand, it has allowed them to manage their processes more intelligently and optimize flows from a staffing perspective. This approach can be used both for existing processes that need to be revamped and for new processes that need to be developed from scratch.