Improving the Procurement Process Using Lean Concept: A Case Study of Mae Chan Hospital, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The research on improving the procurement process using Lean concept: a case study of Mae Chan hospital, Chiang Rai province aimed to 1) study problems and obstacles in the procurement process of Mae Chan Hospital 2) improve a procurement process using Lean concept in Mae Chan hospital and 3) compare the efficiency of the present procurement process and procurement process using Lean concept.  The research methodology used in this study was qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data.  There were 11 informants who gave the interview and joined the focus group interview. Most of them have experience working in the procurement department for about 10 years. The study found that 1) Problems and obstacles arising in the procurement process of Mae Chan Hospital This is caused by excessive documentation procedures and a divided purchasing officer's place of operation. As a result, the work is delayed and time consuming. 2) Developing a model for the procurement process of parcels by developing an order control system in Google Drive instead of a manual system to help and reduce the time of moving or transportation. eliminates non-value-added steps and wastes within the process; and 3)Using Lean concept in the procurement process can reduce the process from 41 to 31 processes, time spent is decreased from 802 minutes to 442.50 minutes which is equal to 44.83 percent, and decrease the cost of paper by 1,050 baht per month or 12,600 baht per year.