Hospital CFOs are Turning to an Unlikely Source- Lean Management Solution

An article in CFO Magazine by Josh Hyatt describes the lean manufacturing-inspired measures some healthcare CFOs are taking to cut costs. One such organization, ThedaCare, learned efficiency from nearby snowblower manufacturer Ariens. So-called lean manufacturing was pioneered by Toyota and is now used in many U.S. companies.

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The article goes on to document how lean methods could work in a hospital setting through the use of cross-functional teams, streamlining activities that consist of repeatable steps (e.g., patient registration), or developing more standardized methods for such procedures as sterilizing and restocking supplies.

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value, Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI), and Bellwether Services. Bellwether's consulting practice leader ExpertSource profile is below:

Mr. John Wilkerson, Bellwether Services

John Wilkerson is Executive Director of Bellwether Services, a globally awarded Lean Six Sigma, Supply Chain, and Quality Strategic Management Consulting and Advisory Firm. He is a recognized expert by ISM, ASQ, APQC, NDTA and numerous global clients. Wilkerson has planned or mentored more than 100 cost reduction projects in both the private and public sectors including Retail Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Food, Beverage, Electronics, Logistics, Chemicals, and Computer industries as well as Defense, Education, and Public Healthcare. Wilkerson has supported due diligence in Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing, IT, Sustainability, Cost Reduction, and Performance Improvement. His functional expertise includes strategic planning, strategic management, demand planning, supply planning, operations turn around, strategic sourcing, carbon footprint reduction, business transformation, and continuous improvement. Wilkerson is a Certified Professional Supply Management, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Principle Quality Auditor, and Lead International Management Consultant.

Contact Information
Name: Mr. John Wilkerson
Title: Executive Director
Email: jwilkerson@bellwether-services.com
Telephone: 404-386-2437