Campaigning or over campaigning

At cResults we often asked to participate in a discussion between QC labs and supply chains about campaigning. The key question is how many samples we should batch/campaign in order to achieve the needed efficiency for the lab and the required cycle time for the supply chain / the customers. The discussion usually involves multiple factors; let’s commence with lab efficiency. The easiest part is calculating the efficiency loss when halting the campaigning process as can be seen in the chart (the average hands on time is reduced as additional samples are added to the campaign). In Smart-QC, we use this type of chart / calculations to identify for each technique, product or for the entire group, when campaigning an additional sample enhance the efficiency. Typically, the gain is substantial on the 2nd and sometime on the 3rd sample and diminishes afterwards. It is easier to approach the supply chain team and evaluate how this may impact their scheduling / campaigning at the overall supply chain. For example, if they need to produce 24 batches per year, they can produce one batch every other week; labs can no longer campaign because almost no lab will wait 2 weeks for a second sample. Furthermore, there is about 30-40% reduction in efficiency. A lab may make 2 batches per month to provide the lab a campaign of at least 2, which will reduce the preparation time / set-up and overall run time of the testing and review aspects. As mentioned before, the key is to consider multiple factors that are involved with other supply chain needs. However, this is the first step in any quantifiable discussion to make sure that the impact on QC labs is taken into account in releasing batches for production