Exploring the Future of Medicine: How Co-op Students are Pioneering Process Management in Purification Process Development

Introduction

Introduction

In the realm of biotechnology, the Purification Process Development group operates at the intersection of science and efficiency, tasked with refining the processes that extract valuable therapeutic enzymes and antibodies from cell culture harvests. Process management sits at the very core of their daily work— a vital practice that involves the meticulous analysis, design, execution, and continual enhancement of these purification protocols.

Process management, by definition, pertains to the structured and methodical oversight of workflows, particularly those that are repetitive and fundamental to the operations of an organization. For the Purification Process Development team, it means devising and refining sequences of actions that consistently yield high-purity biological products, conform to stringent quality standards, and align with the overarching objectives of advancing patient care through innovation.

In this dynamic environment, co-op students join the quest to shape the future of medicine. They engage in hands-on exploration, conducting small-scale chromatography and filtration experiments vital for the development, characterization, and optimization of new downstream processes. Augmented by essential analytical assays such as ELISA, HPLC, and SDS-PAGE, these experiences form the bedrock of their practical learning.

Collaboration is at the heart of the team's success, necessitating a compliance with safety protocols, including mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, as per the guidelines to uphold public and individual health. In essence, process management within this context is not just about perfecting protocols, but also nurturing the skills, creativity, and collective intellect that propels discovery forward. By contributing to this mission, co-op students become part of a larger story - one where meticulous process refinement meets the noble pursuit of improving human health.

KanBo: When, Why and Where to deploy as a Process Management tool

What is KanBo?

KanBo is an advanced process management tool that serves as a centralized platform for work coordination, combining real-time visualization with task management and communication features. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's suite, including SharePoint, Teams, and Office 365.

Why?

KanBo provides a structured environment for organizations to manage workflows, tasks, and projects. It allows teams to customize their workspaces, enhance collaboration, and maintain a clear overview of the project lifecycle, which is essential in a complex field like Purification Process Development. Its deep integration with Microsoft products ensures that users work within a familiar ecosystem, boosting adoption and reducing friction.

When?

KanBo should be employed when there is a need for greater clarity in tracking the progression of tasks and managing intricate workflows, which is often the case in Purification Process Development. It can be initiated at the planning phase of a project, during scaling up processes, or at any stage where better task management and coordination are required.

Where?

KanBo can be utilized in either a cloud-based setting or an on-premises environment, making it suitable for various workplace settings, including laboratories, offices, or remote work scenarios. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for Purification Process Development, where data security and regulatory compliance are paramount.

Should Purification Process Development use KanBo as a Process Management tool?

Purification Process Development should consider using KanBo because it provides a robust framework for managing complex processes. The hierarchical structure of workspaces, folders, spaces, and cards aligns well with the stages and milestones of purification development. Customizable workflow templates, real-time progress tracking, and detailed activity streams contribute to enhanced process visibility and control. Additionally, the ability to handle data securely while allowing for detailed task and project management makes KanBo a fitting choice for the stringent requirements of process development in the field.

How to work with KanBo as a Process Management tool

Sure, below are instructions for using KanBo as a Process Management tool in the context of Purification Process Development, focusing on process optimization:

1. Initial Assessment of Current Processes

- Purpose: To understand the current workflows and identify areas of inefficiency or bottlenecks.

- Why: Before processes can be optimized, it's crucial to have a clear picture of the existing workflow to determine where improvements are needed.

2. Designing a KanBo Workspace for Process Mapping

- Purpose: To create a dedicated workspace where process maps can be visualized and teams can collaborate.

- Why: A dedicated workspace keeps process management activities centralized and accessible to all stakeholders.

3. Creating a Visual Process Map Using KanBo Cards and Spaces

- Purpose: To represent each step of the purification process with KanBo cards and organize them within spaces.

- Why: Visual mappings help to break down complex processes into manageable tasks and make it easier to identify potential areas for optimization.

4. Assigning Roles and Responsibilities

- Purpose: To establish clear ownership of each process step by assigning roles to team members within KanBo.

- Why: Accountability ensures that process steps are executed, monitored, and optimized consistently.

5. Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Purpose: To set measurable targets that reflect efficiency, throughput, and quality goals within KanBo cards.

- Why: KPIs enable teams to track progress and measure the impact of process optimization efforts over time.

6. Implementing Continuous Monitoring Mechanisms

- Purpose: To establish methods such as KanBo card activity streams for real-time monitoring of process performance.

- Why: Ongoing monitoring allows quick identification and resolution of issues, preventing delays and maintaining process integrity.

7. Initiating Process Reviews and Analysis

- Purpose: To utilize the KanBo Forecast Chart for evaluating process trends and predicting future performance.

- Why: Frequent reviews provide insights into whether processes align with the optimization goals, facilitating data-driven decision-making.

8. Facilitating Process Optimization Workshops

- Purpose: To engage cross-functional teams in sessions to discuss possible improvements and update KanBo spaces accordingly.

- Why: Collaboration and collective expertise are vital to enhancing process efficiency and effectiveness.

9. Running What-If Scenarios for Proposed Changes

- Purpose: To assess potential changes by utilizing KanBo's Gantt Chart to simulate their impact on the overall process.

- Why: Predictive modeling helps anticipate the outcomes of adjustments without risking the disruption of live processes.

10. Implementing Process Changes and Updates

- Purpose: To adapt KanBo cards and workflows based on the insights and findings from optimization initiatives.

- Why: Actual change implementation is the step where theoretical improvements are put into practice for real-world benefits.

11. Measuring Outcomes and Making Adjustments

- Purpose: To use the card statistics in KanBo to evaluate the efficiency gained from the changes and refine as needed.

- Why: Continuous improvement is essential; it's important to measure the effects of adjustments and iterate the process for optimal results.

12. Documenting Process Improvements

- Purpose: To keep records of changes and their impacts within KanBo spaces for accountability and future reference.

- Why: Documentation creates a knowledge base that supports ongoing improvement and process transferability.

13. Reviewing Process Regularly

- Purpose: To schedule periodic reviews within KanBo to ensure the process remains efficient and aligned with business goals.

- Why: Regular audits help in identifying new opportunities for optimization and keeping pace with evolving market dynamics.

By following these steps and focusing on each stage's purpose and rationale, you can leverage KanBo effectively for Purification Process Development and optimization within a business environment.

Glossary and terms

Below is a glossary with explanations for various terms that are often used in process management and project coordination within a business context:

Workspace: An organizational level in a tool or application where different projects, teams, or topics are grouped together. It makes navigation and collaboration across multiple areas more convenient.

Space: Within a workspace, a space is a collection of cards that represent tasks or items within a project or a specific area of focus. Spaces are designed for visual workflow representation and task management.

Card: The fundamental unit within a space that represents an individual task or actionable item. A card typically contains information such as descriptions, due dates, attachments, checklists, and comments.

Card Status: An indication of where a card is in the workflow process. Common statuses include "To Do," "In Progress," "On Hold," and "Completed." The status helps users track the progress of tasks.

Card Activity Stream: A real-time log of activities associated with a particular card. It details the history of all interactions with the card, including updates, comments, and status changes, for transparency and accountability.

Card Blocker: An impediment or issue that prevents a card (task) from moving forward in the workflow. Blockers can be identified to highlight challenges and prompt resolution.

Card Grouping: An organizational feature that allows users to categorize and view cards based on certain criteria such as assignees, due dates, labels, etc., for better task management.

Card Issue: A problem related to a specific card that impacts its management or progression. Issues can be flagged with different colors to indicate urgency or type.

Card Relation: The dependency link between cards, suggesting that the completion of one task is dependent on the progress or completion of another. Common relations include parent-child or predecessor-successor linkages.

Card Statistics: Analytical data about a card's performance and lifecycle, usually presented in charts or summaries. Statistics help in understanding task durations, frequency, and bottlenecks.

Dates in Cards: Specific time-related terms linked to a card, such as start date, due date, and reminder date, representing different milestones or deadlines for task completion.

Completion Date: The date when a card's status is changed to "Completed," marking the finalization of a task.

Default Parent Card: When a card has multiple parent tasks, the primary parent task which influences the child card's direction is the default parent.

Forecast Chart View: A visual tool within a project management application that provides a projection of the project's future completion based on past performance and current trends.

Gantt Chart View: A bar chart that provides a visual timeline of tasks within a project. It helps with planning and tracking progress over time, showing start dates, end dates, and overlap of individual tasks.

Grouping: The organization of related cards into categories or containers within a space. These groupings can be based on attributes such as status, assignee, or any other custom criteria set by the space owner.

List: A way to categorize cards within a space that permits a card to belong to only one category at a time. Lists provide a straightforward method for sorting tasks into different buckets or stages.