When planning for and implementing changes to your supply chain, it is important to include all stakeholders in the process, according to Tom Fox, a managing director at healthcare consulting firm Novia Strategies.
He shared the following tip with Becker's Hospital Review.
Consider all departments impacted by the potential change and include representation in meetings where changes are proposed. All communication should include information describing the proposed or effective changes in sufficient detail so they will be clear to those impacted. It is also advisable to include:
- "Before" and "after" scenarios for either product or process changes
- The reason for the change
- The expected implementation date
- The contact person to call if there is a question
Taking these steps will support a smooth transition to new products or processes.
Furthermore, it is critical to inform users when a product is on back order or out of stock for any reason. This dialogue should provide information about plans to provide an interim substitute, as well as the expected date for re-stocking of the regular item. Proactive communication ensures users will be able to accommodate their processes to interim products during a "stock out."
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