OBJECTIVES: To simplify laboratory documents, reduce the waste of paper or time, and meet certifi cation requirements. METHODS: We used process analysis to reveal the hidden problems of the process systemically, and to improve the processes using Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, and Simplify (ECRS) thinking. RESULTS: There were three major problems in the laboratory. Through the establishment of electronic documents, we removed 15 redundant laboratory steps, rearranged 1 operation step, and simplified 3 management and storage steps. These resulted in a reduction of laboratory steps from 20 to 5, a shortened transportation distance by 28.4 km, a decrease in operation time from 286.4 to 179.7 minutes, saved 253 sheets of papers, and reduced the costs for toner clips by $3,838 per month. CONCLUSIONS: Using ECRS thinking to build electronic documents in this laboratory, we simplified the entire storage and access process, reduced the operation time and transportation distances, and saved costs and resources. ECRS thinking was useful in establishing an efficient and effective operation process in our laboratory.