Improving the customer focus of an analytical laboratory through the application of work cells

Abstract

The quality control laboratories at Eli Lilly and Company's Clinton Laboratories manufacturing facility have been systematically reorganized to improve the quality of analytical service. The concept of work cells has been employed in these laboratories to replace the instrument specific or technology specific work stations which existed previously. The application of laboratory work cells has reduced assay-cycle time; improved customer focus; improved job ownership by analysts; simplified sample flow and sample tracking; and has increased customer communication with analysts.