Our Mission
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The Vivarium Operational Excellence Network is a consortium of biomedical research organizations committed to advancing the quest for cures and therapies for disease through the use of proven continuous improvement techniques.
“The Vivarium Operational Excellence Network enables institutions to achieve efficiency, empower teams, and develop a respectful Continuous Improvement culture.” |
New Content!
VOE-Network members brainstorm in Baltimore!
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Members of the VOE-Network from all across the globe convened at the AALAS National meeting in Baltimore to learn from each other and bring lean knowledge back to their organizations.
The sold-out VOE-N Pre-AALAS workshop featured collaborative problem-solving exercises with real-life scenarios that are experienced by every organization. By working in teams, attendees were able to see and hear best practices and different points of view that added to rich discussion and new ideas to try back home. Faculty members included representatives from:
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The Lean Veterinarian
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Lean has made its way into Veterinary practice around the world!
The biomedical research community has been practicing lean for over a decade, and there's hardly a profession where lean does not improve outcomes...healthcare, manufacturing, the service industry and it's now growing in popularity in veterinary medicine. Check out this story of how lean management is improving all facets of veterinary medicine around the world! planet-lean.com/the-lean-veterinarian/ |
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The Lean Zoo Turnaround
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Several zoos around the US have turned to lean management to improve both animal welfare and the customer experience. The San Diego Zoo has emerged as one of the more advanced programs improving systems and delivering value that benefits all species of animals (including humans).
The Denver Zoo has experienced vast improvements that have elevated employee engagement and impressive cost savings. The VOE-Network has assisted the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston to begin their lean journey in 2014; they have since advance to hosting lean tours for the Association for Manufacturing Excellence. Lean management is the answer to operational inefficiencies, and the VOE-Network can help any animal welfare organization improve..to the benefit of all animals. Check out the article here: planet-lean.com/lean-transformation-san-diego-zoo/ |
The VOE-Network emerges as a 501-C6!
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On July 20, 2018, the Vivarium Operational Excellence Network was officially proclaimed and recognized as a Non-Profit Organization.
Under the guidance of our new Board of Directors, the VOE-Network Inc. has hit the world stage as a rapidly growing epicenter for the study, education and sharing of continuous improvement techniques. Our collaborations aim to advance biomedical research leading to the medical discoveries that will benefit animal and human health worldwide. Our 2018-2019 Board of Directors:
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Lean Poster Presented at Tri-Branch
To learn more about Lean Tools, visit our "Tools Open Source" page: https://www.voenetwork.com/tools-open-source.html
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The Power of 5S!
One of the building blocks of a Lean Organization is the systematic application of workplace organization using the "5S System". Originated at Toyota, this simple yet legendary 5-step, team-based system develops team thinking while eliminating waste in multiple, often invisible forms. 5S is often used as a team-building exercise, developing social contracts that drive new and efficient behaviors. The folks at Penn State Hershey applied the 5S system to their PPE stations and discovered how to improve space utilization, reduce inventory, reduce reaching and how to mistake-proof through organization and visual management techniques. Penn State Hershey offers their poster for your staff to review below and are eager to help any organization to get started with a 5S project. Contact Penny Devlin for more information: <pdevlin@pennstatehealth.psu.edu> 
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First Laboratory Animal Medicine and Management Residency Announced!
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The first Laboratory Medicine and Management Residency has been announced at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Endorsed by ACLAM, this 3-year program qualifies candidates for ACLAM certification. For details, click on the link below. https://www.aclam.org/education-and-training/training-programs For questions, or to discuss this new opportunity further, please contact Dr. Denise Molk, VMD. dmolk@mgh.harvard.edu |
VOE-Network Members a big hit at CALAS and ILAM!
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Breaking News from CALAS!
VOE-Network members from the Centre for Phenogenomics in Toronto provided a well-attended session on building a lean organization at CALAS followed by some lively engaging discussion. "Most of the questions seemed to be about how to get started with projects, how to get managers on board etc." said representative Lise Phaneuf DVM, DVSc, DACLAM Director, Research & Facility Operations; The Centre for Phenogenomics. The VOE-Network booth was staffed by representatives from TCP and McGill University from Montreal. Plans are in the works for a hands-on workshop next year at CALAS in Vancouver! 
Breaking news from ILAM!
The VOE-N played an integral role in the ILAM forum in Tennessee by introducing Lean Concepts in an entertaining way. Jarrod Nichol, LSSBB from McGill University provided a highly animated and sensational training that demonstrates the importance of teamwork; amplified in crisis mode. The "Snakebite Workshop" is a signature VOE-N training workshop that has been offered at AALAS, ILAM, LAMA, Lean Enterprise Institute and the Northeast Lean Conference. Jarrod noted that the session "was a huge hit"; if you have not attended this crisis-mode training, we urge you to contact Jarrod for more information how we can bring this training to you and your staff or your conference: Jarrod,nichol@mcgill.ca Thank you VOE-Network Canada! |
VOE-Network members make a splash at
LAMA, Virginia Beach
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Members of the VOE-Network from 4 institutions conducted two wild and crazy workshops at LAMA in Virginia Beach.
The first ever "World's Largest Problem-Solving Session in Biomedical Research History" was conducted with 170 participants using multiple Lean Tools including a Fishbone Diagram, consensogram and affinity diagram. The group also experienced continuous improvement concepts as they competed for an intense government contract to build fighter jets worth a bizillon dollars. Through three rounds, the team experienced how teams can take total chaos and work it into order, and order evolved into success. Free tools shared at the workshop can be downloaded here: www.voenetwork.com/lama-tools.html 
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VOE-Network Donates to Animal Welfare Foundations
The VOE-Network Board of Directors endorsed the donation of the prize money awarded for "Best Presentation" at LAMA to be shared by two important foundations: "Homes for Animal Heroes" and "Herd Heroes" in recognition of the very important work they do.
Both organizations were featured at LAMA and have developed successful programs that build awareness for education, public awareness and animal placement.
We salute these organizations as first-class ambassadors and guardians for animals and for the incredible work we all do to promote and ensure animal welfare.
Both organizations were featured at LAMA and have developed successful programs that build awareness for education, public awareness and animal placement.
We salute these organizations as first-class ambassadors and guardians for animals and for the incredible work we all do to promote and ensure animal welfare.
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Coming EventsPeriodic events are held virtually or live for VOE-N members that are designed to share ideas, tour facilities and share best practices in applying Lean techniques.
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Support Staff TrainingWe offer basic training on Lean tools & skills to align your staff in their approach to waste identification and problem-solving
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Leadership Knowledge SharingLeading a Lean Organization is highly rewarding, achieving world-class results, but it's not without it's challenges. Allow our experienced thought leaders to help you with your obstacles, both live or through video workshops
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