SOURCING & LOGISTICS “Technologies like virtual reality are becoming more readily available as an immersive training experience for new hires, and to facilitate the change management process for incorporating operational improvements,” he indicated. “Supply chain leaders are under pressure to prepare for the future, and there is a lot of confusion in the market on what technologies are real and here to stay versus vaporware. We are seeing many potential use-cases for artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain, but it will take time for the technology to mature and become more reliable for fur- ther adoption.”
Sidestepping away from tactical and transactional philosophies drives the migration, Redding observes.
“Health system leaders are slowly shifting their approach from a transactional supply chain mindset to a strategic one,” he noted, “and that shift brings new requirements and expectations for tech- nology and systems, and how they will support a decentralized model of care.”
Cory Turner, CMRP, Senior Director, Healthcare
Strategy, Tecsys Inc., recognizes the appeal that some of the leading-, cutting- and bleeding-edge technologies provide. “There are more futuristic tools on the market today than ever before – everything from VR robotics to Iron Man-like exoskeletons,” Turner enthused. “With such a glut of innovation, it can be challenging for supply chain leaders to determine which ones are distractions, and which can be truly valuable to their operations. However, by embracing tools that can streamline processes and ease the reliance on human resources, healthcare supply chain leaders can address labor shortages while prioritizing patient care.
Cory Turner
“Underneath the shiny veneer, there are great technologies that are being field tested with impressive results,” Turner continued. “When the right tools are brought together in the right environment, the possibilities for growth are endless. A strong and industry-tailored [warehouse management system] with demand forecasting capabilities coupled with AGVs, conveyance and wearable devices can not only increase pro- ductivity and efficiency, [but] it’s a formula that can empower the human workforce to be more effective.” While AI continues to capture interest among many supply
chain leaders, some experts urge caution about embracing and implementing it before operations are in proper working order. “AI is such a broad topic and can mean different things in so many different areas and within functions,” noted Jennifer Nageotte, Partner, Diamond Storage Solutions. “AI can improve patient engagement, enhance storage and supply availability/retrieval, lower supply chain costs, decrease time for diagnostics, improve billing and coding and physician documentation, etc. But yes, the underlying theme is under- standing current state, improving upon what you have, ensure good process and systems currently exist, and obtain buy-in from peo- ple. Otherwise, no matter how sophisticated the system, AI opens up opportunity for failure.” How do supply chain experts categorize material handling product and technology offerings along a spectrum? Check out the Material Handling Technology Grid to learn where they generally assigned options. HPN
Jennifer Nageotte Finding material handling solutions may be more than minding the store
Healthcare supply chain leaders and professionals may have a wealth of products and technologies from which to choose probable solutions for their material handling needs and wants, but experts urge careful consideration and planning before taking the plunge. Why? The aftershocks from the plunge may be severe and unexpected. Six share useful tips that should motivate and direct decision-making.
Finding balance “For the storeroom, it comes down to a balance of capacity and visibility. Storerooms are often undersized rooms with a need to store a large number of supplies. Careful consideration should be given to balancing how many items get stored, how much of each item and how often they will be replenished. It is also important to make it easy for clinicians to find what they need. Lower counts and higher replenishment frequency may be the best option to provide the best patient experience. Physical space will be the only constant in this formula. Once the [stock-keeping units] are figured out, the next step is to find the best way to fit them in the defined area. There are many options, traditional shelving, high-density track systems, bin wall, cantilevered baskets or a combination. Metro representatives provide free space audits to help decipher the best combination of solutions for your space. “Warehouses are similar, just on a larger scale. Bulk storage is fairly
straightforward. Pallet racking is typically the go-to. The unit-of-use items is where some complexity comes into play. Once items are broken down from their packaging, you begin looking at individual items of various shapes and sizes. This also increases the amount of space needed for these items. So again, it’s a look at how many SKUs will be supported from the warehouse and how many to store at the individual level. Figuring out these two metrics will determine the
space required, which can be compared to the space dedicated. Once this factor has been identified, it comes down to the best combination of storage solutions to fit the items in the predefined space. This is where the Metro rep can again step in and provide free space audits to help decipher the best combination of solutions for your space.”
Dave Salus, Market Manager, Healthcare Division, InterMetro Industries Corp.
Look to overarching automation “As a health system looks to improve materials handling efficiency across facilities, analysis of its current or implementation of an enhanced health provider-focused Warehouse Management System (WMS) becomes Job One. A fully functional WMS drives improve- ments in the hospital storeroom and is an absolute necessity when operating a warehouse/distribution center. A WMS can provide a higher utilization of storage space, increase labor productivity, improve warehouse activity accuracy, and most importantly, pro- vide clear visibility and traceability to provider inventory. The WMS review or selection process also helps inform what storeroom or warehouse technology is actually ‘necessary” versus “luxury” based on provider resources, processes and goals.”
Zach Malingowski, Senior Director, Supply Chain Optimization, Medline Operations
12 February 2023 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS •
hpnonline.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
