American Red Cross

Situation:

Over the last few years, the donor base has eroded due to the aging population while the need for blood has increased every year.  It has been difficult to control costs associated with recruiting donors, collecting, testing, quality assurance, production, labeling, storage and shipment of the product.  This situation has resulted in the need for improved productivity in both the blood collection process and the manufacturing or processing of blood.  Reducing process time and costs were critical. 

Solution:

With High Tech Rochester’s assistance, LEAN tools were used to study, train and improve productivity in the collection and manufacturing operation.  Hands-on assistance from HTR as well as assistance from New York State Empire State Development were effective in achieving significant improvements. 

Results:

Process time in collections was reduced by 40% and donor satisfaction improved.  Cycle times for processing of blood were reduced by 85%.  The combined impact so far has been a significant dollar savings and an increased sales capacity of 20%.  These savings allowed the American Red Cross to invest in its infrastructure and to maintain its current pricing levels. 

Because of the national nature of the MEP System, these results could be replicated throughout the American Red Cross Organization.

Testimonial:

HTR was very helpful in convincing New York State that the American Red Cross – Blood Services, New York-Penn Region is a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.  They recommended an excellent consulting firm who we are continuing to use on an ongoing basis.  “The coaching process overseen by Dick Krause of HTR allowed our region to effectively integrate and implement the changes needed through continuous improvement and better serve the community.” - Jim Risley, Director Process Support, American Red Cross-Blood Services, Empire-Keystone Division.