Within any industry, waste is one of the greatest factors that affect all aspects of the organization. In healthcare, this is omnipresent. By reducing the total waste that occurs within an organization, one can drastically decrease the number of resources and unnecessary expenditure that occurs at all levels.
Having the right procedures and processes in place to combat this waste is essential for the organization to find growth. Lean methodologies were first created by Taiichi Ohno of Toyota. Although this methodology originated from the manufacturing industries, its principles of waste reduction can be used within any industry, especially that of the healthcare sector.
Lean methodologies follow seven fundamental concepts of how to reduce waste within an organization and how it can benefit an organization. Let's have a closer look at what lean methodologies are and how they can benefit an organization.
Lean methodology is a system that attempts to streamline processes and focuses on a quality-driven approach toward customers, payers, and patients. The main idea of the Lean system is to reduce waste throughout the entire organization.
While waste can come in the form of a physical product, waste can also be created in many different non-physical forms.
The seven fundamental waste reduction steps that the Lean system aims to tackle are:
The Lean methodology requires all members of the organization to be attuned to its systems in order for it to be truly successful. When this methodology is effectively implemented in the organization, waste can be reduced across the board and productivity can increase drastically.
The Lean methodology not only requires all members to be on board with its teachings but also for the organization to be completely aware of what is going on throughout its day-to-day operations.
Close analyses and systems of measure are always necessary, and if this is done correctly, the organization can reap a range of benefits. Let's have a closer look at some of these benefits.
The supply chain forms the fundamental basis for any operation. Without a stable supply chain, processes and tasks may become severely bottlenecked.
When a healthcare facility correctly implements the Lean methodology, the supply chain can receive noticeable streamlined benefits. This thus increases productivity and efficiency when conducting tasks at all levels.
Since the main goal of the Lean methodology is to tackle waste at all levels, reducing this factor can greatly assist the organization in staying on the right track. When waste is present within an organization, noticeable detriments can greatly affect day-to-day tasks.
Waste can severely cripple the efficiency of tasks, deeply affect the availability of resources, lower morale, and hurt productivity. When waste is reduced within the organization, these drawbacks find a positive change.
Tasks get completed efficiently, resources are more readily available, morale increases and productivity finds a much-needed boost.
Money is a healthcare facility's greatest resource. When funds are readily available and easily accessible, tasks such as acquiring needed resources become easier and patients can receive the assistance they need, when they need it.
Having funds readily accessible also allows for the healthcare facility to bolster facets and processes that may be struggling due to neglect. This strengthens the facility across the board and allows the organization to tackle large-scale issues as they arise with less difficulty.
Patient care forms the basis of any healthcare facility. When a healthcare professional is able to assist a patient the moment that they need help, this improves the quality of care and satisfaction that they receive.
Having the necessary resources present and the efficiency to seamlessly conduct tasks is a crucial means for any healthcare organization to find success.
At Distribution Systems International, we lead a team of supply chain management professionals that specialize in assisting healthcare organizations with their waste reduction and cost-saving needs.
Through years of experience, innovative problem-solving solutions, and state-of-the-art technology, we have positioned ourselves as an industry leader in assisting those that assist others.
Healthcare organizations often have a lot on their plate, and being able to tackle hindered processes within the organization whilst meeting patient demand can be a difficult task to undertake.
Getting in touch with us at Distribution Systems International is the first step toward receiving the supply chain management assistance that your healthcare facility truly needs.
By implementing systems such as the Lean methodologies, or even the Kanban inventory management system, your healthcare organization can reap major benefits that will increase productivity and streamline the efficiency of tasks across the board.
To learn more about our services, contact us at 800-393-6090 at Distribution Systems International today!
With 21 years of sales management, marketing, P&L responsibility, business development, national account, and channel management responsibilities under his belt, Ian has established himself as a high achiever across multiple business functions. Ian was part of a small team who started a new business unit for Stanley Black & Decker in Asia from Y10’ to Y14’. He lived in Shanghai, China for two years, then continued to commercialize and scale the business throughout the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions for another two years (4 years of International experience). Ian played college football at the University of Colorado from 96’ to 00’. His core skills sets include; drive, strong work ethic, team player, a builder mentality with high energy, motivator with the passion, purpose, and a track record to prove it.
