Single-use filtration and fill–finish technologies can be used as part of a lean manufacturing strategy to boost production,
and reduce manufacturing waste and costs.
(IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES)
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Single-use manufacturing solutions can accelerate production, improve flexibility, and reduce costs and waste–benefits that
are well-aligned with lean process initiatives. Based on principles largely developed by Toyota, lean manufacturing seeks
to identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing processes to reduce the cost of bringing a product to market (1). Focusing
on creating more value with less work, lean manufacturing generally focuses on reducing eight specified wastes (see Table 1).
Table 1: Eight types of wastes targeted by lean process initiatives.
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Implementing single-use filtration and fill–finish systems can deliver lean process improvement efficiencies and eliminate
waste from the manufacturing workflow. Single-use systems can speed up production processes, reduce the risk of deviations,
maintain consistency and have a positive impact on the bottom-line.
Delivering value with single-use filtration
Single-use filtration systems can deliver value in a number of ways. However, it is particularly beneficial if the single-use
system has a modular structure that is replicable and scalable across different geographies, as this means the filtration
assembly can keep pace with changing product, scale and site requirements.
Lean processing
As will be demonstrated later in a fill–finish case study, single-use assemblies can reduce processing time by as much as
50% through decreased preparation and set-up times. A number of elements drive these reductions, such as:
- modular manifold designs mean they can be built on site and scaled as required
- bags can be designed such that filling processes eliminate the need for operator handling
- sterile filtration assemblies can facilitate technology transfer between early development, late development and commercial
manufacturing
- innovations in disconnection technology can reduce the time required to make sterile disconnection compared with the time
taken by traditional tube sealers.
Before implementing single-use technologies, a thorough assessment of the current processes and opportunities for improvement
should be conducted and objectives should be clearly defined. It is also important to pilot solutions and conduct performance
testing in a laboratory setting before a definitive solution is finalised. Technology experts should also review process parameters,
such as flow rate and pressuredrop requirements, and recommend the appropriate filter membrane and size when designing filtration
subassemblies. Hands-on testing prior to installation will also give operators a greater degree of confidence than a typical
new processing setup might usually foster, and will also give them the opportunity for real-time feedback, which will enable
the solution to be better adapted to their actual process.
