Purpose - Process - People: A lean approach to biomedical manufacturing

F-J. Kahlen

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa fj.kahlen@uct.ac.za

ABSTRACT

Opportunities to improve production processes and access to markets through the implementation of lean manufacturing in biomedical manufacturing are presented. The importance of a unified definition of manufacturing, to which biomedical manufacturing is party, is emphasized, and the theory of "lean", summarized as "purpose, process, people", is elaborated. The requirements for the creation of value through the creation of flow and the elimination of wastes are highlighted in the context of biomedical manufacturing. Finally, case studies are presented to illustrate the approaches to "purpose, process, people".

OPSOMMING

Geleenthede vir die verbetering van produksieprosesse en marktoegang via die implementering van skraalvervaardiging in die biomediese vervaardigingsbedryf word voorgehou. Aandag word geskenk aan die betekenis van terme soos "skraal, doel, proses, menes" in die konteks van biomediese vervaardiging. Waardeskepping, vloei en vermorsing word onder die loep geneem. Gevallestudies word ter illustrasie van begrippe aangebied.

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