The race is on to reduce operating expenses while improving hospital service levels, and in that race, supply chain executives have to balance financial and operational objectives in the name of innovation, according to Michelle Robbins, vice president of product development for Life Science and Healthcare at DHL, and Jim Saponaro, vice president of life science and healthcare in North America for DHL.
Ms. Robbins and Mr. Saponaro shared the following tip with Becker's:
"Advances like automated retrieval systems, augmented reality picking technology and guided vehicle material movement could dramatically improve the bottom line. However, justifying those investments is just as important as staying ahead of the technological trend."
To determine if investments are justified, it is important to have:
- A clear understanding of current activity costs to accurately support your business case
- Accurate estimates of all costs associated with the introduction of the innovation (systems integration, physical space alterations, etc.)
- Defined financial and service level objectives, as well as corresponding project scopes
- Specific pilot plan(s) to test models
- Engagement of critical users and stakeholders (pre- and post-pilot)
- A firm implementation entry point and project timing
- Input from all stakeholders, including finance and operations
If you would like to submit a supply chain tip, please email Mackenzie Bean at mbean@beckershealthcare.com.
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