Autor: David Ebentreich

Volatile and globalizing markets as well as their linkage require dynamic, flexible processes and resources. Thus, many companies have implemented a Lean Production System (LPS), but the gradient for companies that have implemented LPD years ago is going to be lower. Thus, companies need to seek new ways to dynamize and enhence their production system. The fourth industrial revolution might be the answer to handle these challenges. Information and communication technologies, coming along with the fourth industrial revolution, are supporting the operational execution of LPS. This is exemplified with the principle of standardization.

Risks threaten companies in all industries. Especially, if lives are threatened companies have to take measures for risk detection and prevention. The healthcare industry and especially hospitals have to identify risks as early as possible to take measures to protect patients. For this purpose the methods and tools from the lean production system can support hospital employees. Therefore, this paper analyses the support of lean production systems for improving patient safety in hospitals.