Did you know that 99% of hospitals and different health systems reported having issues with supply procurement around October of 2021? The main challenges healthcare organizations face with logistics solutions are quite a few things. Some examples are supply chain complexity and a lack of supply chain health IT.
Another is the consumer demand for faster delivery. Healthcare, in general, is a fragmented and complex industry—and it’s only becoming more so. As new technologies emerge, healthcare organizations are forced to adapt quickly.
This is to remain competitive and in line with what their service area needs. There’s increased pressure on hospital executives and payers. That pressure is also on providers to contain costs while improving patient outcomes.
This has led care facilities to invest more in supply management processes. Logistics play an important role in healthcare. This is because the sector is both time-critical and has stringent accuracy standards.
The nuances of healthcare are quite important. So, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can use logistics solutions to improve performance. We’ll also talk about seven solutions to get you started.
1.Outsourcing Delivery and Logistics
Healthcare organizations are finding it difficult to improve their processes. This is where outsourced delivery and logistics companies can help. These companies can improve efficiency through integration. This comes from integrating their own logistics operations with the healthcare organizations.
Real-time metrics and process optimization can help you stay compliant with different procedures. They also have access to a larger talent pool. This means that they can provide more consistent and qualified staffing.
Outsourcing delivery and logistics can help to improve quality and patient outcomes. This can also help with focusing on advancing other strategic initiatives.
2.Inventory Management
Healthcare organizations often rely on inventory management solutions. This is to help keep track of pharmaceutical and medical supply chains. This can include anything from syringes and bandages to insulin pumps and pacemakers.
Such solutions can help you track assets in real-time. This can be essential if a product is under FDA recall.
They can also help to reduce waste and increase operational efficiency. This is often done by automating manual processes. That could be anything from restocking to continuous delivery contracts. On top of that, inventory management solutions can help you forecast demand.
That’s critical in healthcare, where patient volumes fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Using models that help you plan for seasonal and unexpected changes can help with this. You can do this by analyzing data across your entire organization.
3.Real-Time Visibility For Logistics Solutions
This can help keep track of inventory and manage shipments. This type of solution allows organizations to have a clear picture of their supply chain. It also helps to optimize shipping routes and improve customer service.
Real-time data can save time and money as well. It can also help improve the accuracy of inventory management. In addition, it can help to reduce the number of errors in shipping.
4.Defective and Outdated Supply Chain Data Quality
Healthcare companies face specific challenges when it comes to data quality. The healthcare supply chain involves managing sensitive information. This could be anything from patient names to medical histories.
This information must be handled carefully and kept confidential at all times. Such data must also stay up-to-date. This can be challenging in a clinical environment where operations are always evolving.
For example, consider how your organization might respond to a disease outbreak. You may need to ramp up the production of a certain vaccine. You may also need to distribute it quickly to prevent the outbreak from spreading.
Such quick action requires access to accurate supply chain data. If the data is out of date, the vaccine may not be delivered in time for it to be effective. Having a dedicated courier service can also help to eliminate this potential issue.
5.Robust Collaboration Tools
Healthcare organizations must collaborate extensively to keep things running as they should. In many cases, this collaboration takes place over the use of digital systems. Across these systems, tools such as HIPAA-compliant cloud collaboration platforms are often used.
Organizations should select communication platforms that can handle large volumes of data. This will help to ensure that collaboration remains robust.
These platforms should also provide strong security and privacy protections. Extensive integration options should also be included.
Such integrations can help to minimize the number of tools your team members need to use. This can streamline operations. This can also help to make it easier to onboard new team members who need access to certain systems.
6.Scalable Delivery Options
Developing contingency plans for a range of worst-case scenarios is also often required. Having a crisis management plan is also helpful. Some of these things could include natural disasters like hurricanes.
This could also include the spread of the flu or pandemics like COVID-19. Such scenarios put a strain on healthcare providers. This is due to the need to scale up operations fast to keep patients safe and healthy.
This often involves receiving and distributing large volumes of supplies. Examples could be consumables such as syringes, bandages, and medical devices. Longer-term items like vaccinations are also another example.
7.Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Logistics solutions are also used to support breakthroughs in research and development. This is especially true in terms of pharmaceuticals. For example, they can operate as co-located facilities. These facilities can be used for testing, prototype development, and clinical trials.
Such an approach allows organizations to keep up with advancements in technology. This can also help to make use of emerging supply chain innovations.
Here’s an example, blockchain is generating a lot of buzz in logistics. Some healthcare providers are exploring ways to use blockchain in their logistics operations. This is to drive higher security and transparency.
Protecting Your Operations
Healthcare organizations face mounting pressure to improve patient care and reduce costs. This makes logistics a key area for investment. Partnering with a company like GO₂ Delivery and Logistics can take over the hard part of your logistics operations.
It’s also a good way to get the most out of your logistics solutions. If you favor scalability and flexibility, contact our team today.
