Can DAMAS Help Me Improve Productivity?

The answer to this question is yes, it most certainly can. Will it though is entirely dependent upon the individual laboratory and their application of the system. Like every other tool, DAMAS is only as good as the person or persons using it allow it to be. When applied correctly, the DAMAS system is proven to improve most areas of your business.

DAMAS is a GMP (Good Manufacturing Processes) system. It is based upon tried and proven quality systems with the added benefit of being adapted specifically for dental laboratories. It was originated by laboratory owners and technicians for the purposes of meeting obligatory regulatory requirements and, more importantly, bringing value and financial advantage to the laboratory.

During the implementation of the DAMAS system, the consultant reviews all working practices. He or she will, where applicable, offer advice with regard to improvements or modifications to the existing systems and practices and assist in the implementation of these.

DAMAS does not become involved in the actual method of manufacturing since each device is unique, no two patients are identical and, therefore, the actual manufacturing process of their device is unique. The technicians are highly skilled with far more hands-on knowledge than the consultant; however, the general flow of work through each department and the managerial controls involved follow a set pattern and this pattern, in many instances, can be beneficially improved.

Working with you and your technicians the consultant will review the controls, the documentation and the workflow and offer constructive recommendations for streamlining present systems. The DAMAS system also puts into place systems to identify and reduce the main causes of problems, such as those resulting in remakes and rework. By reducing the number of remakes and in-house rework the technician is able to increase the amount of billable work per day.

The same is true of all other activities within a laboratory from the receipt of the prescription and associated work, the booking-in process, through to delivery of the final product. Also included are purchasing of materials, handling customer concerns, returns, packaging and upkeep and maintenance of equipment.

By refining methods in all areas of the laboratory, the employee has more time to devote to other meaningful activities.  By improving managerial controls, the laboratory owner frees up his valuable time allowing greater time for more productive activities or, possibly, an extra round of golf!

Every minute saved results in greater productivity and therefore financial reward. Just 10 minutes saved per technician each day equals 50 manufacturing minutes per technician each week, taken over a year this represents a great deal of time and money.

Generally, in all aspects of life, what has always been done becomes established as what is always done and often it takes an outside viewpoint to identify better options or methods. All DAMAS consultants have years of experience working with dental laboratories and a wide range of other industries enabling them to offer practical and meaningful advice. Working with you, they produce a system that is based on your existing methods with the refinements necessary to increase productivity.