The healthcare industry had to endure multiple challenges in 2020. The inventory management and supply chain leaders were most worried. Now, with different Covid-19 vaccines on the horizon, the 2022 forecast thankfully looks rosier.
Anyway, hospitals must continue improving supply chain and inventory management. Constant progress will let them handle future disruptions, reduce wastage, and contribute to efficiency.
To help the hospitals start 2022 on the right foot, here’s what they must keep in mind.
- Engage in precise inventory count and valuation
Precise information and clear visibility into the inventory are the foundations of a proper supply chain.
If a hospital has not taken an inventory count or contacted any inventory counting service provider, please do not delay. Visit here Best online newsfilter website
If history has taught anything, it is that the hospitals must expect the unexpected so that if the supply chain disruption occurs, they have everything in place.
- Execute a plan to stay on top of the inventory
The experts offering RFID hospital inventory management solutions said besides carrying out a formal, yearly inventory count, the hospitals must track and observe the inventory throughout the year.
Constant, standardized inventories will enhance efficiency and reduce wastage. If you always know what you have and trust the data, you would not have to scramble to evaluate the inventory when you encounter a crisis such as the PPE shortage in 2020.
Visit here: f95zone
- Make Contingency Plans
A severe disruption that affects the supply chain, like a natural disaster or other events, could happen at any time. The hospitals must learn from Covid-19 supply chain disruption and apply the lessons to prepare for the future.
If you are a large facility, make sure to have contingency plans regarding distributing and allocating the resources when necessary. It would help if you also had sourcing plans for secondary and tertiary resources. Forming coalitions with other companies can help.
- Update the Item Master
Several hospitals started obtaining inventory like PPE from non-conventional suppliers that were not part of the GPO contract when the pandemic started. Such items may not have been updated in the item masters.
Adding the data to the item master will determine if you must add the vendors to the procurement cycle. It also ensures you have all the information during future disruption. It also provides visibility into the suppliers and supplies across the system. You identify cost-saving opportunities without any hassle.
- Utilize Demand Forecasting Technology
Proper supply chain management technology can help the hospital quickly plan for, manage, and recover from supply chain disruptions.
For instance, peak and incident demand forecasting tools can assist inventory management during disruption periods and periods of normalcy.
If the past years taught anyone anything, hospitals must execute demand forecasting technology to ensure quality patient care.
According to the experts providing inventory tracking RFID solutions, the healthcare industry learned several difficult lessons in 2020. Never fail to act on them. Now is the right time to support and improve inventory management and supply chain.
Use the tips above as a starting point and reach out to the experts to learn how to help.
