Vivarium Operational Excellence Network
VOE-Network Mission:
“The Vivarium Operational Excellence Network’s mission is to promote and exchange innovative methods and knowledge for managing animal programs around the world”
“The Vivarium Operational Excellence Network’s mission is to promote and exchange innovative methods and knowledge for managing animal programs around the world”
*Vivarium Operational Excellence Statement on Racial Injustice:
"I remember the evening that the concept of a network of lean adaptors was born at an ACLAM Forum in
Idaho. The diversity of those three individuals, Steve Niemi, Sai Tummala and myself is worth noting
because everything about our brainstorming was about the content of our ideas (character) and not the
color of our skin. Too many times, I’ve participated in conversations where the opposite of that was
true. As an African-American woman who understands the personal toll of racism and brutality, I
wanted to acknowledge that the origin of the VOEN was grounded in equality and inclusion from the
very start.
So, what can be done about these issues? As many have already said around the nation, it’s going to
require work to improve. As an Organizational Leader, I have made a personally committed to
performing a “deep dive” into my department’s culture and the plight of our staff who are People of
Color, especially those who are African-American. I charge all VOE-N members to do something similar.
Remember to include the right stakeholders in your problem-solving and then implement improvements
that are measurable and meet your anticipated goal. Resolving the inequities associated with these
conditions will require continuous attention and adjustment.
The strength of the VOEN has always been based on the participation of its member organizations. I’m
asking that all members continue to emphasize that lean’s philosophy at its core is based on inclusion
and that racism and exclusion should not be tolerated in any form.
It’s time for a change."
-- Personal Statement on Racism and Brutality from VOE-N Founding Member and First President, Donna Matthews Jarrell, to the BOD and member organizations. (6.11.2020)
Idaho. The diversity of those three individuals, Steve Niemi, Sai Tummala and myself is worth noting
because everything about our brainstorming was about the content of our ideas (character) and not the
color of our skin. Too many times, I’ve participated in conversations where the opposite of that was
true. As an African-American woman who understands the personal toll of racism and brutality, I
wanted to acknowledge that the origin of the VOEN was grounded in equality and inclusion from the
very start.
So, what can be done about these issues? As many have already said around the nation, it’s going to
require work to improve. As an Organizational Leader, I have made a personally committed to
performing a “deep dive” into my department’s culture and the plight of our staff who are People of
Color, especially those who are African-American. I charge all VOE-N members to do something similar.
Remember to include the right stakeholders in your problem-solving and then implement improvements
that are measurable and meet your anticipated goal. Resolving the inequities associated with these
conditions will require continuous attention and adjustment.
The strength of the VOEN has always been based on the participation of its member organizations. I’m
asking that all members continue to emphasize that lean’s philosophy at its core is based on inclusion
and that racism and exclusion should not be tolerated in any form.
It’s time for a change."
-- Personal Statement on Racism and Brutality from VOE-N Founding Member and First President, Donna Matthews Jarrell, to the BOD and member organizations. (6.11.2020)
Lean Internship Available at Takeda!
For more information and to apply,
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Lean Ninja Bootcamp: Launching an in vivo Operational Excellence Program.
Objectives: The intern will learn concepts of Lean Management and Operational Excellence, obtain Lean Six Sigma certification at the white belt (beginner) and yellow belt (intermediate) levels. The intern will partner with the Comparative Medicine mentor and other staff to apply skills learned during the internship to a contemporary and relevant project in the vivarium operations. Lean management tools to be used will include some or all of the following: PDCA (“Plan-Do-Check-Act”, Gemba walk with A3 worksheet, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). Outcomes: The project will culminate with a presentation to the CM department, and may include the opportunity to prepare a scientific poster presentation to an appropriate industry-specific conference, such as the National Symposium of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The internship deliverables will aid in the launching of the operational excellence program in Comparative Medicine at Takeda. Skills used/ challenge: Knowledge learned in school of animal biology, computer applications, data collection/ organization and problem-solving will intersect with the addition of creativity and application of Lean tools (presented as a part of the internship) to engage in a practical project with real-world outcomes (see below). Practical Application: The intern will engage in a real-world problem current within the Takeda Comparative Medicine Vivarium. Example of a typical project: The Process Mapping tool was used to understand the current state (= defective caging equipment routinely placed back into service) and make process visible to everyone. A team of subject matter experts from the cage wash area was bought together to analyze step by step all the possible ways that a faulty piece of equipment could go unnoticed. Through problem-solving it was discovered that by applying light hand pressure to the equipment you could see where the welding was damaged; subsequently, one of the major changes identified was to include a physical inspection, as well as a visual point of use tool. The continuous improvement cycle was completed through training, communication, process/ counter-measure implementation, and post-implementation checkpoints. |
Workshop Recording Now Available!
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Do you want to inspire your Team? Watch this workshop; free to VOE-Network members. Members can now watch the "Are You a Lean Ninja?" workshop on demand to inspire simple improvements in your own facilities. Real-life examples of problems and team-based solutions were shared live from the Denver Animal Shelter, Zoo New England and Mass General Hospital. Kick-start your Improvement Journey by "Zooming in" on areas for improvement with this video. Members can Log in and head directly to the Webinar Tab. |
February 2
Webinar collaboration & Special Offer
Author Karen Gaudet on "Steady Work"
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Author Karen Gaudet will walk you through the riveting story described in "Standard Work" of how Starbucks rapidly adapted their business to the needs of the customer, especially in times of crisis.
A discussion with the author, that will enable you to step inside the fine nuances of The Work of a Leader , while transforming the business.Leading through Transformational Times Leading in times of significant change calls on the strength of the leader to mobilize resources. Resources who can quickly add value back into the process for those who deliver on the value driven purpose of the organization. “Leader Led” Transformation builds the capability of the organization as the leaders’ capability grows while solving some of the most critical business problems. Learn more about how these two key elements came together for Karen while leading her team at Starbucks Coffee Company Explore the components of a Leader Led Transformation and consider your unique leadership situation and how you might apply some of the key points of a leader led approach. |
Special VOE-Network discount to order the 100-page book here:
Discount code: AME_2021 for 25% off https://www.lean.org/Bookstore/ProductDetails.cfm?SelectedProductId=436
(valid through 2.15.21)
Discount code: AME_2021 for 25% off https://www.lean.org/Bookstore/ProductDetails.cfm?SelectedProductId=436
(valid through 2.15.21)
March 3
Webinar Collaboration
Author Robert O. Martichenko on "One System, One Team"
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Robert O. Martichenko
Robert Martichenko is an executive leader of LeanCor, a Transplace Company. Formerly Founder and CEO of LeanCor, Robert joined Transplace after its 2020 acquisition of LeanCor. He is also an entrepreneur, thought leader in lean management, professional education instructor, business author, poet, and novelist. |
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Call for Action: Promoting Diversity & Inclusion in Animal Healthcare: What we ARE doing We have received several emails from attendees supporting what was shared and seeking information on what’s next and how to get involved. While we recognize that many institutions are ready for change, we also acknowledge that change is not always easy. As set out in our mission statement, the VOE-N members are here to help each other to continuously improve. We encourage anyone who would like to get more engaged through our Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, to reach out and let us know of your interest. It is our desire that we all benefit from the efforts of this new task force through the collective ideas and initiatives which can brought back to your own institution. Click here to view the recorded webinar. |
Have You Checked out the VOE Network's Belt program Yet?
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Lean Belt Certification Training is a great way to get your staff, new and not-so-new, on the same page and to mobilize them to identify waste in operations and processes. When finished with belt certification classes, the successful candidate will be able to participate in lean activities as a stakeholder and customer.
The VOE Network is proud to offer online self paced lean certifications. Over 100 members have already taken advantage of this great opportunity to learn and grow. Want to hear more? Go to the Belt Certification tab for FAQs or use the link below, see past alumni, and learn how to register! www.voenetwork.com/about-belt-certification.html |
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LEAN Isn't Just for MANUFACTURING...
"Continuous Improvement helps people help animals..."
Tools and concepts can be intimidating, and videos can only show so much. We want to help you get started on the right foot, and be as successful as possible!
Contact us and we will do our absolute best to assist in any way possible, and put you in direct contact with an experienced Continuous Improvement practitioner.
Sends us an email at: info@voenetwork.com
Tools and concepts can be intimidating, and videos can only show so much. We want to help you get started on the right foot, and be as successful as possible!
Contact us and we will do our absolute best to assist in any way possible, and put you in direct contact with an experienced Continuous Improvement practitioner.
Sends us an email at: info@voenetwork.com
Collaborators
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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.
The VOE-Network has also donated to the Denver Animal Shelter for their exemplary work in applying Continuous Improvement techniques to streamline their operations.
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.
The VOE-Network has also donated to the Denver Animal Shelter for their exemplary work in applying Continuous Improvement techniques to streamline their operations.
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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