Maximizing Labor Efficiency in the Lab: A Data-Driven Approach
Customers often ask us how to improve efficiency in the lab. While efficiency can apply to many aspects, one of the most impactful areas is labor efficiency, given that analysts are among the highest expenses in a lab.
Effectively utilizing our skilled resources should be a top priority.
✔ How Do We Measure Efficiency?
The key is to track earned hours (value-added time) per resource to understand how much of an analyst’s time is spent on productive, testing-related activities. We then analyze non-value-added activities—tasks that, while necessary, may not require the expertise of a highly skilled analyst. These tasks can often be reallocated to technicians or other support staff.
✔ How Smart-QC Helps
In Smart-QC, we use a weekly scorecard that highlights analyst efficiency and their contribution to lab testing. Even when the workload is high, some resources may not be fully engaged in direct testing activities. By evaluating earned hours alongside non-testing hours, we can pinpoint inefficiencies and identify opportunities for improvement.
✔ Key Steps to Improve Efficiency
- Measure earned hours – Track value-added tasks/tests per resource.
- Break down non-testing activities – Identify tasks that take time away from core testing.
- Set clear expectations – Define the expected proportion of testing time per analyst.
- Reallocate tasks wisely – Shift appropriate activities from highly skilled analysts to technicians where possible.
- Make it a continuous effort – Efficiency isn’t a one-time fix; it requires a cultural shift toward value-added work.
✔ Culture Change
- Improving efficiency is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process.
- Implement Smart-QC’s weekly scorecard to track analyst efficiency and contributions.
- Foster a culture that prioritizes efficiency and value-added work, encouraging continuous improvement.
By consistently focusing on earned hours, reallocating tasks, and continuously measuring performance, labs can significantly improve labor efficiency and maximize the value of their skilled resources.
What strategies have you found effective in improving lab efficiency? Let’s discuss in the comments!