Application of Lean Tools for Improving Space Utilization for Existing R&D Laboratories
Kathleen Larese, Sandia National Laboratories
Carla Forrest, Sandia National Laboratories
Optimizing laboratory space utilization is critical for maximizing revenue, minimizing footprint, improving worker safety, and minimizing environmental impact. The research and development culture offers a unique challenge for creating agile, state-of-the art laboratories while aligning with short- and long-term mission needs and capabilities. A life cycle approach using lean six sigma tools offers technical and business teams at Sandia National Laboratories a methodology for strategically managing existing laboratories and creating competitive advantage through agility and planned investment.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to apply the 10-step lean six sigma process for strategically managing laboratory capabilities, understand the economic and cultural drivers for improving laboratory space utilization, and quantify the improvements for worker safety and minimization of environmental impacts through sustainable metrics.
Biographies:
Kathleen Larese is a member of technical staff in the Radiological Consequence Management and Emergency Response Department at Sandia National Laboratories and has eight years of experience as a chemist (radiochemistry). As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, she applies lean methodology to the management of laboratory space in her department. As the first person in her division to conduct a 5S event, she has obtained support to apply continuous improvement tools to laboratory management strategies and space utilization for the Energy, Security, and Defense Technologies Division. Ms. Larese received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Western Washington University and completed a graduate fellowship in nuclear and radiochemistry at San Jose State University. She also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and is completing a Master of Science degree in biomedical science from the UNM School of Medicine.
As a quality business systems analyst for the Energy, Security, and Defense Technologies Division 6000, Carla Forrest, Ph.D., facilitates and leads team efforts to establish and monitor quality management systems, supports operational planning and deployment initiatives, and helps develop measurement systems to determine organizational improvement. She works closely with executive management, leaders, and staff to develop the right solutions or interventions, which will be executed with the right audiences at the right times and through the right means. Ms. Forrestparticipated in the Sandia Sponsored University Programs for 10 years, while working full time; upon graduation in 2006, she received distinction for her doctoral degree in organizational learning and strategic knowledge management from the University of New Mexico. She has several peer-reviewed publications in the field of organizational performance and intangible asset management.