Process mapping allows HERA to simulate major drivers for clinical labs, public health labs and forensic labs and address key planning variables, such as future staffing, workflow issues and equipment quantities.
We go beyond traditional process and flow mapping by simulating the activities that they represent. This enhances our ability to understand material and work flows in labs and predict how small changes in staffing, processes or equipment can affect key parameters such as throughput and turnaround times. As a result, we design spaces that are both efficient and well-suited for the users’ needs.
HERA has successfully used process mapping for clients across the country. At Parkland Hospital in Dallas, TX, HERA assessed the number of staff needed to handle receipt and processing of samples given future sample growth at the hospital’s new clinical laboratory. At the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, VA, HERA used process mapping to evaluate the pre-analytic staffing required for three different lab relocation options.
Why our clients love process mapping
The team was most helpful in translating the work of our Lean Six Sigma consultant into their own process mapping and ultimately into a design solution. Their ability to assess our resources while finding and analyzing the gaps in our process and the pinch points was enlightening. It allowed us to better understand our staff, equipment and space needs. The data was used to generate three concepts to help us determine if we should renovate in place, expand within our existing courthouse or build a new crime lab facility.
CLAUDINE CARTER PEREIRA, MS, CLPE
Director – Crime Laboratory, Broward Sheriff’s Office