Implementation of a Kanban Inventory System to Improve Laboratory Material Restocking

Abstract

The pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson’s supply chain team at the Guaynabo facilities was facing delays in laboratory activities due to the lack of an inventory system. This led to ordering materials only once they were out of stock, pausing activities for weeks. This impacted both the supply chain and laboratory teams. The proposed solution was a Kanban inventory system to tackle this problem. The system was integrated using Microsoft Excel and was tested during the following inventory cycle. Now, materials expected to be out of stock in the next month have orders in place for restocking. Restocking takes two weeks. Therefore, materials will be restocked two weeks before they are out of stock, allowing activities to flow without interruptions. Key Terms ⎯ system, Microsoft Excel, laboratory, supply chain.