Optimizing the Entire QC Laboratory Environment
Pharmaceutical company with a quality control laboratory at the interface between production and research and development
Maturity assessment and optimization of the entire laboratory process landscape of a QC laboratory, from infrastructure and documentation through to workload management.
The challenge
The situation
A status-quo diagnosis revealed inadequate laboratory infrastructure in terms of fume hoods, office space, equipment, and workflow layout, as well as a lack of collaboration at the interfaces with production and with research and development. In addition, there was paper-based documentation in journals, manual management of laboratory workload, an absence of visual performance monitoring, and a lack of plannability.
Our approach
What we delivered
Introduction of a new laboratory structure with clear roles
Restructuring with autonomous working groups
Staff training in new technologies and lean philosophies
Redesign of the process landscape
KPI definition and digital dashboard prototypes
Promotion of cross-interface collaboration
The outcome
Results & impact
+25% productivity
Improvement in productivity and sample throughput by 25 percent.
Mindset change
A shifted way of thinking within the team, with lasting enthusiasm for continuous optimization.
-45% effort
Reduction of documentation and management effort by 45 percent.
In summary
Within nine months, the productivity of quality control increased significantly, while documentation and management effort noticeably declined.
Regulations & standards considered
- EU-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice, quality control)
Related expertise
Lean Lab →
Lean laboratory processes, workflow layout, and higher sample throughput in the QC laboratory.
Good Laboratory Practice →
Regulatory framework for laboratory processes and documentation.
Continuous Improvement Programs →
Embedding continuous optimization as a permanent way of working.
Reporting and Dashboards →
KPIs and digital dashboards for visual performance monitoring.
Similar projects
More on Pharma →
Sources
- https://theentourage.de/case-study/qk-labor-optimierung/ (live case study, accessed 2026-06-14)
Your project
A comparable project?
Briefly outline your situation. We'll respond with an initial assessment, usually within one business day.
Prefer direct? +41 61 271 23 80
info@theentourage.ch
- Reply usually within one working day
- 4 offices: DE · CH · IT · US
- 100% life sciences