scholarly journals Automated Transport and Sorting System in a Large Reference Laboratory: Part 2. Implementation of the System and Performance Measures over Three Years

2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 1761-1767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles D Hawker ◽  
William L Roberts ◽  
Susan B Garr ◽  
Leslie T Hamilton ◽  
John R Penrose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Automation System ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Sorting System ◽  
Automation Project ◽  
Project Objectives

Abstract Background: Our laboratory implemented a major automation system in November 1998. A related report describes a 4-year process of evaluation and planning leading to system installation. This report describes the implementation and performance results over 3 years since the system was placed into use. Methods: Project management software was used to track the project. Turnaround times of our top 500 tests before and after automation were measured. We compared the rate of hiring of employees and the billed unit per employee ratio before and after automation by use of linear regression analysis. Finally, we analyzed the financial contribution of the project through an analysis of return on investment. Results: Since implementation, the volume of work transported and sorted has grown to >15 000 new tubes and >25 000 total tubes per day. Median turnaround time has decreased by an estimated 7 h, and turnaround time at the 95th percentile has decreased by 12 h. Lost specimens have decreased by 58%. A comparison of pre- and post-implementation hiring rates of employees estimated a savings of 33.6 employees, whereas a similar comparison of ratios of billed units per employee estimated a savings of 49.1 employees. Using the higher figure, we estimated that the $4.02 million cost of the project would be paid off ∼4.9 years subsequent to placing the system into daily use. Conclusions: The overall automation project implemented in our laboratory has contributed considerably to improvement of key performance measures and has met our original project objectives.

scholarly journals Automated Transport and Sorting System in a Large Reference Laboratory: Part 1. Evaluation of Needs and Alternatives and Development of a Plan

2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 1751-1760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles D Hawker ◽  
Susan B Garr ◽  
Leslie T Hamilton ◽  
John R Penrose ◽  
Edward R Ashwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Order Entry ◽  
Comprehensive Plan ◽  
Laboratory Facility ◽  
Specimen Processing ◽  
Total Laboratory Automation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Sorting System

Abstract Background: Our laboratory, a large, commercial, esoteric reference laboratory, sought some form of total laboratory automation to keep pace with rapid growth of specimen volumes as well as to meet competitive demands for cost reduction and improved turnaround time. Methods: We conducted a systematic evaluation of our needs, which led to the development of a plan to implement an automated transport and sorting system. We systematically analyzed and studied our specimen containers, test submission requirements and temperatures, and the workflow and movement of people, specimens, and information throughout the laboratory. We performed an intricate timing study that identified bottlenecks in our manual handling processes. We also evaluated various automation options. Results: The automation alternative viewed to best meet our needs was a transport and sorting system from MDS AutoLab. Our comprehensive plan also included a new standardized transport tube; a centralized automated core laboratory for higher volume tests; a new “automation-friendly” software system for order entry, tracking, and process control; a complete reengineering of our order-entry, handling, and tracking processes; and remodeling of our laboratory facility and specimen processing area. Conclusions: The scope of this project and its potential impact on overall laboratory operations and performance justified the extensive time we invested (nearly 4 years) in a systematic approach to the evaluation, design, and planning of this project.

Evaluation of Glove Liners with Objective, Subjective and Performance Measures

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 846-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Chen ◽  
I. Tarawneh ◽  
B. Goodwin ◽  
R. R. Bishu
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Two Temperatures ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Subjective Discomfort ◽  
Skin Moisture ◽  
Skin Sensitizer

The objective of this study was to evaluate a number of inner glove liners used to protect the skin from latex proteins and chemical skin sensitizer found in gloves. A battery of performance tests were used for evaluating the inner gloves. Besides these, objective measurements such as skin temperature, skin conductance, and skin moisture content were measured. A series of subjective discomfort/comfort measures were also taken. Seventeen health care providers participated in this experiment where four liner conditions were evaluated at two temperatures. Some of the measures were recorded before and after the tests, while some other measures were recorded every fifteen minutes. Thus each subject participated in eight trials (4 liners X 2 temperatures). The tests were of two hours duration. Sweat, pegboard test, and discomfort measures were the best discriminators of liners, while the other subjective and objective measures were not.

scholarly journals Quantifying Self-Report Measures' Overestimation of Mobility Scores Postarthroplasty

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1288-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. Stratford ◽  
Deborah M. Kennedy ◽  
Monica R. Maly ◽  
Norma J. MacIntyre
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Important Change ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Background Self-reports of function may systematically overestimate the ability of patients to move around postarthroplasty. Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude of systematic differences in Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function subscale (WOMAC-PF) scores before and after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) by referencing the values to Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distances and Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) times. Design This study was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study. Methods The LEFS, WOMAC, 6MWT, and TUG were administered to 85 patients prearthroplasty and once at 9 to 13 weeks postarthroplasty. Regression analysis was applied using a robust error term for clustered data. With the self-report measures as dependent variables and performance measures, occasion (prearthroplasty or postarthroplasty), and performance measure-by-occasion as independent variables, 3 propositions were examined: (1) the relationship between self-report and performance measures is identical prearthroplasty and postarthroplasty (ie, regression lines are coincident); (2) the relationship differs between occasions, but is consistent (ie, regression lines are parallel); (3) the relationship is not consistent (ie, the regression lines are not parallel). Results For all analyses, the results supported the second proposition (ie, the relationship differed between occasions, but was consistent). The systematic differences varied by location of arthroplasty, but were similar for both performance tests. For the LEFS, the difference was approximately 11 points for patients who received TKA and 13 points for patients who received THA. For the WOMAC-PF, the difference was approximately 12 points for patients who received TKA and 19 points for patients who received THA. These differences exceed the minimal clinically important change for an individual patient. Limitations The findings are specific to 9 to 13 weeks postarthroplasty. Conclusion Dependence on scores of self-report measures alone, without knowledge of the magnitude of the identified systematic differences, will result in overestimating the ability of patients to move around postarthroplasty.

Visual, Musculoskeletal, and Performance Differences between Good and Poor VDT Workstations

1982 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Dainoff ◽  
L. Fraser ◽  
B.J. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Experimental Simulation ◽  
Postural Adjustment ◽  
Physiological Measures ◽  
Musculoskeletal Complaints ◽  
Work Session ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
And Performance

An experimental simulation of a VDT data entry task was conducted during which subjects alternated between good and poor ergonomic conditions involving postural adjustment, lighting, and glare. Performance measures were taken during the session and a battery of psychophysical/physiological measures and subjective complaints were taken before and after the work session. Preliminary results indicated a 24.5% improvement in performance as well as a decrease in musculoskeletal complaints attributed to good ergonomic design characteristics.

Evaluating a Maintenance Crew Resource Management Training Program; Effects on Attitudes, Behaviors, and Performance

1994 ◽  
Vol 38 (18) ◽  
pp. 1242-1246
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Robertson ◽  
James C. Taylor ◽  
John W. Stelly ◽  
Robert Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Crew Resource Management ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Crew Resource Management Training ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Maintenance Performance

A Crew Resource Management program for maintenance personnel has been developed by an airline company which involves several team related concepts. Technical operations managers' pre and post-training attitudes and their follow-up attitudes (2, 6 and 12 months afterwards) concerning a variety of management and organizational factors were compared with one another as well as with maintenance performance measures. Comparisons of participants' attitudes before and after their training showed a significant improvement in attitudes indicators and these attitudes remained stable overtime. Positive trends for two of the maintenance performance indicators are demonstrated in comparing pre and post training performance measures. Increased safety and improved on-time performance was found related to improved attitudes about participation and assertive communication. Open ended responses as well as anecdotal evidence confirms the positive changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Application Fuzzy Logic System for Accurate Sheet Trim Shower Position

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-192
Author(s):  
Yudi Wibawa
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Logic ◽  
Fuzzy Logic Controller ◽  
Dc Motor ◽  
Automation System ◽  
Paper Making ◽  
System A ◽  
Accurate Position ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Logic System

This paper aims to study for accurate sheet trim shower position for paper making process. An accurate position is required in an automation system. A mathematical model of DC motor is used to obtain a transfer function between shaft position and applied voltage. PID controller with Ziegler-Nichols and Hang-tuning rule and Fuzzy logic controller for controlling position accuracy are required. The result reference explains it that the FLC is better than other methods and performance characteristics also improve the control of DC motor.

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