Experience in the use of lean-technologies in organizing a competition at a research institute

Abstract

The experience of using lean manufacturing tools in organizing of preparations for the participation of the young scientists of research institute in competitions is considered. There are typical features of such competitions and their significance for the development of the young scientists. Particular attention is paid to the most prestigious competitions organized by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR). The composition of the processes affecting the efficiency of work created at the research institute and the unit for working with the young scientists is determined. One of the most labor-intensive processes, the process of preparing tender documentation, is described. By analyzing the process under consideration, the losses that occur in it are identified and analyzed. It was established that the main losses are not in the substantial work on the preparation of tender documentation, but in passing it through a significant number of instances within the research institute. The process consists of approximately 50 works and takes at least 25-30 days. A number of steps are proposed aimed at reducing such losses, using the Kanban signal system and 5S system. In particular, a special electronic folder with a navigator has been created, containing all the necessary document templates.