| Step | Description |
| Specify value | The critical starting point. Define value from the customer's perspective and express value in terms of a specific product. |
| Map the value stream | Map all of the steps that bring a product or service to the customer. In the laboratory, the value stream encompasses all preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical processes. Include:
- Value-added-- Activities that are of value to the customer.
- Value enabling-- Not valued by the customer, but required for the process.
- Non-value added-- Create no value and are avoidable.
|
| Create flow | The continuum of product movement, services, and information from beginning (preanalytical) to end (postanalytical). Eliminate batch testing. |
| Establish pull | Nothing is done by the upstream process until the downstream customer signals the need. Eliminate unnecessary inventory buildup. |
| Pursue perfection | Perfection is the complete elimination of waste so that all activities create value for the customer. This is a continual (never-ending) process. |
Reference: Womack JP., Jones, DT.
Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation, Revised and Updated. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2003.
