Technology
models to predict inventory needed as well as schedule restocks. The models identify potential supply disruptions to reduce risks. Additionally, it manages perishable supplies in real time to reduce waste and costs. Prescriptive analytics prescribes actionable
recommendations to optimise operations. Its prescribed strategies focus on enhancements to streamline the supply processes and improve efficiencies and decision-making around materials management. With AI behind inventory systems, hospitals are enabled to monitor inventory, predict demand, and achieve appropriate stock levels. This helps to align resources with patient demand across hospital areas including pharmacies, central storerooms, operating rooms/theatres, sterile services, and the emergency department. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the power AI solutions give clinicians and staff to be proactive instead of reactive. “There are a lot of preventative measures that we could put in place with AI,” said a surveyed operating room nurse in a US hospital. “From a supply chain perspective, it will enhance collaboration and the overall efficiency of care delivery.”
Better materials management means better care While materials management in hospitals is complex, technology can streamline operations, ensure essential medical assets are available, eliminate endless time tracking down items, and elevate patient care. The findings uncovered in Zebra’s Hospital Study make it clear hospitals need to digitise and automate their materials management systems. Non-clinical leaders acknowledge the need and are driving the change with plans to implement the technology tools and software solutions to optimise their inventory operations. By integrating wearables and mobile
computers with barcode scanners, RFID, RTLS, and AI-powered solutions, visibility and efficiency can be improved, errors reduced and optimal patient care and safety delivered. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, these technologies will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of hospital materials management. Behind the scenes, non-clinical hospital leaders are working in new ways with technology to optimise materials management, improve the workflows of front-line clinicians, and enhance the patient experience. It’s no longer about keeping pace with technological advancements; it’s about setting new standards for excellence in every facet of healthcare.
CSJ March 2025 I
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References 1.
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/cpn/ hospital-materials-management-vision-
study.html
2.
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/ healthcare/our-insights/reimagining-the- nursing-workload-finding-time-to-close-
About the author
Oliver Ledgard is the Government and Healthcare Director, EMEA, Zebra Technologies, focusing on technology hardware and software solutions for frontline healthcare and public safety workers. He brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Prior to joining Zebra in 2017, he held technology solution roles with Panasonic and Telefonica.
the-workforce-gap#/
3.
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/solutions/ industry/healthcare/use-case/hospital-
asset-tracking.html
4.
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/solutions/ industry/healthcare/use-case/hospital-
asset-tracking.html
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