Optimizing Process Workflow Through Layout Redesign

The Leica Biosystems Content and Evidence team was provided an initial architect drawing with planned equipment placement. The team conducted interviews with lab directors, and staff to obtain all necessary input on process requirements. The Leica Biosystems Content and Evidence team mapped the process flow and redesigned the layout to rearrange the placement of process steps and equipment. Below is the initial layout provided to the team and the recommended layout after adjustments.

The new laboratory space included space for:

• Separate room for 4 tissue processors and waste storage

• 3 Embedding stations with room for 6 total stations

• 8 Microtomy stations with room for 12 total stations

• Dedicated island for routine staining

• Dedicated island for special staining including hood for hand stains

• Large area for Immunohistochemistry preparations and staining

• Large workspace for Case Assembly and distribution of slides

• Wall space for storage of blocks and slides

The estimated travel distance for the specimen of the initial drawing was 143.2 feet and included two crossover process steps. The recommended layout eliminated all crossover process steps and had an estimated travel distance for the specimen of only 79.9 feet. That is a 44.2% reduction in wasted travel distance. The Leica Biosystems Content and Evidence team was able to visually demonstrate the improvements using a spaghetti mapping process which resulted in the necessary gains.