A Lean Approach to Improving the Laboratory Verification Process in the Electronics Industry

Authors

  • Ping-Shun Chen Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
  • Jimmy Ching-Ming Chen Division of Engineering Technology, Wayne State University, Michigan, USA
  • Yu-Hsin Peng Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
  • Gary Yu-Hsin Chen Department of Logistics Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science & Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2026.33.5.11383

Keywords:

lean production, lean thinking, value stream mapping, SIPOC, 6W

Abstract

This study investigates the use of lean thinking to improve process efficiency in the mechanical stress test laboratory of Company I, a semiconductor verification firm in Taiwan. It addresses a practical problem in which, despite relatively stable project volumes, project working hours increased due to greater case complexity, inefficient project handovers, and operational waste in laboratory workflows. The study introduces a modified 6Ws framework, replacing the conventional “how” dimension with “whom” to strengthen problem definition in a service-intensive laboratory context. This framework was combined with a suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs, and customers (SIPOC) analysis and value stream mapping (VSM) to identify non-value-added activities, redesign project intake and handover procedures, improve scheduling visibility, and optimize workspace and tool arrangements. The results show that the controllable labor component was reduced from 160 minutes to 58 minutes, representing a 63.75% reduction in labor time. The 102-minute improvement is a substantial reduction in human effort across the 50 hours of the total end-to-end cycle, which is dominated by machine operation and testing. Overall, the findings demonstrate that lean thinking can significantly reduce avoidable labor waste in laboratory operations and provide a practical improvement model for similar technical service environments.

Author Biographies

Ping-Shun Chen, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan

Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Jimmy Ching-Ming Chen, Division of Engineering Technology, Wayne State University, Michigan, USA

Associate Professor, Engineering Technology

Yu-Hsin Peng, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Gary Yu-Hsin Chen, Department of Logistics Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science & Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Professor, Department of Logistics Management

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Published

2026-10-13

How to Cite

Chen, P.-S., Chen, J. C.-M., Peng, Y.-H., & Chen, G. Y.-H. (2026). A Lean Approach to Improving the Laboratory Verification Process in the Electronics Industry. International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 33(5). https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2026.33.5.11383

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 5 (2026)

Section

Manufacturing and Robotics

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