Process Improvement of Book Replacement Using Lean Principles and ECRS Techniques

Abstract

Thammasat University Library implemented comprehensive process improvements for book replacement services to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. The existing paper-based procedures created significant delays and reduced organizational responsiveness to user needs. This study employed Lean management principles integrated with ECRS methodologies (Eliminate – Combine – Rearrange – Simplify) to redesign the operational framework. The improvement initiative began with systematic analysis of existing process limitations and identified areas of waste, subsequently developing a complete online system that streamlines form submission, payment processing, and data storage functions.
Implementation results revealed substantial operational enhancements, including reduction of process steps from nine to seven stages and decreased processing time from 35 minutes to 17 minutes, achieving a 51.43 percent improvement in operational efficiency. The findings demonstrate that strategic application of Lean principles combined with ECRS techniques successfully increases organizational efficiency, eliminates procedural redundancy, and elevates overall service quality standards while establishing a replicable methodology for other institutional processes.