The supply chain within a healthcare organization forms the strong foundation from which all processes are conducted.
If this foundation is weak, the organization may find little to no success in efficiency and productivity. If this foundation is strong, there is a wide range of benefits that may come with it, along with a list of potential opportunities that a healthcare organization may reap.
Improving the supply chain is the first step a healthcare organization can take to ensure that it is running at peak performance without being hindered by external factors caused by a weakened supply chain.
Let's have a closer look at what supply chain efficiency is, why it's so important within the healthcare industry, and 6 ways to improve your healthcare supply chain.
Supply chain efficiency refers to the efficient levels at which the supply chain operates from. This can range from inventory management, the effectiveness of suppliers, the quality of acquired materials, speed of procurement, and a range of other supply chain-related issues.
When these facets are effectively managed, it allows for the organization to truly meet its peak potential while reaping a range of other benefits that may increase other processes within the organization.
An efficient supply chain allows for a widened scope of activities that the organization may undertake whilst also freeing up valuable resources such as manpower, material usage, and of course, money.
Having an effective supply chain process matters not only to the healthcare industry but to almost every industry that is out there. When the supply chain is running efficiently, it removes a large burden from the organization and allows it to focus on the tasks at hand.
When the supply chain is not managed correctly and is inefficient, many different processes may become bottlenecked or completely halted due to the lack of materials needed to complete tasks.
In healthcare, this could mean that patients are not taken care of, the equipment and tools needed for procedures are not available, or the speed at which emergencies are handled is drastically lowered.
Due to the nature of the healthcare industry, there is a broad reliance on speed, productivity, efficiency, and the ability to deal with issues the moment they arise. Effective supply chain strategies allow for all these factors to be met effectively.
Now that we have had a closer look at what supply chain efficiency is and how it affects the healthcare industry, let's delve into the 6 ways to improve a healthcare organization's supply chain systems that supply chain leaders utilize.
Technology has evolved and adapted to assist organizations and businesses across the globe. The swift rise of automation has provided an innovative solution to previously difficult tasks and processes. Within a healthcare organization, technology can be used to effectively speed up processes.
In the past, processes such as inventory tracking, procurement, and healthcare product demand forecasting all had to be completed by hand. This was often difficult and time-consuming.
Technology has allowed these processes to be streamlined and optimized. Due to its nature, technology is able to digest and process large quantities of data within the blink of an eye to provide you and your organization with the stats and necessary steps required to better the supply chain.
Effectively implementing technology into this facet is a good means of tackling issues that may currently exist.
Streamlining processes is an essential step toward supply chain efficiency. This can be done in numerous amount of different and unique ways.
From effective inventory storage facilities to better supplier communication, ensuring that the supply chain capabilities are adequately streamlined is the best way to optimize the efficiency of this fundamentally important facet.
Inventory management is key within any organization. If the inventory is not correctly managed, the organization runs the risk of not meeting the present demand as well as unnecessary supply chain costs due to over-purchasing.
The process of inventory management can include steps such as accurately storing and counting the available stock, staying on top of customer demand as opposed to available stock, and procuring new medical supplies before the current materials are completely finished.
Maintaining this steady flow of inventory ensures that the supply chain remains efficient and that processes and tasks within the organization are consistently met without delay.
Partnering with a trusted supplier is an essential key factor within the supply chain. A good supplier should provide your organization with quality, quantity, and competitive supply costs.
If the balance between these three factors is not met, the supply chain may be severely affected and operate at a much lower level of productivity.
Ensuring that there is clear communication between the supplier and organization is the best way to secure the needed materials at a reasonable cost and at the time that it is needed.
Data analytics is crucial to any business and organization. In healthcare, this can be used to identify demand before it occurs. When data analytics are processed accurately, it can greatly benefit the supply chain performance because it provides the entire organization with the required information and tools to make clear and accurate financial decisions.
Much like the previous point of partnering with a trusted supplier, ensuring that the quality of the products that your organization receives is paramount to its success.
A healthcare organization relies on high-quality products to effectively assist its customers and patients. Without it, the organization may struggle to effectively complete tasks and customer or patient care may drastically decrease.
Having a good relationship with a supplier that provides high-quality products is a marvelous means of boosting your supply chain performance.
As a healthcare organization, it can often be difficult to focus on the external ever-changing nature of the industry, whilst also maintaining efficiency in an internal environment. At Distribution Systems International we are an industry leader in assisting organizations that assist others.
With help from a team that specializes in supply chain management and high-quality storage solutions within the healthcare industry, your organization can truly focus on providing a service that changes the world.
To receive the assistance that allows you to effectively help those in need, contact us at 800-393-6090 at Distribution Systems International today!
With 21 years of sales management, marketing, P&L responsibility, business development, national account, and channel management responsibilities under his belt, Ian has established himself as a high achiever across multiple business functions. Ian was part of a small team who started a new business unit for Stanley Black & Decker in Asia from Y10’ to Y14’. He lived in Shanghai, China for two years, then continued to commercialize and scale the business throughout the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions for another two years (4 years of International experience). Ian played college football at the University of Colorado from 96’ to 00’. His core skills sets include; drive, strong work ethic, team player, a builder mentality with high energy, motivator with the passion, purpose, and a track record to prove it.
