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Improve Work Flow:
Use Multiple Processing Units

To gain flexibility in controlling the work flow, try to have multiple work stations, machines, processing lines, fillers, etc., in a system. This makes it possible to run smaller lots, serve special customers, minimize the impact of maintenance and downtime, and add flexibility to staffing. With multiple units, the primary product or service can be handled on one line to maximize efficiency and minimize set-up time. The less frequent products and services can be handled by the other units.




Examples of Tests of this Change

In surgery, delays often occur when the patient and the surgical team are ready for surgery, but the assigned room is still being used for the previous surgery. Additional surgical suites are available, but the room set-up is not appropriate for the type of surgery to be performed. Using identical room set-ups for as many surgical rooms as possible provides greater flexibility for meeting scheduled as well as unexpected demand.


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