Be er Health and a better way of life.
Inanerawherethehealthcareindustryfaces
unprecedentedchallenges,theefficientmanagementof supplychainshasbecomeacriticalfactorindelivering qualitypatientcare.
Thehealthcaresupplychainplaysapivotalroleinensuring thatmedicalfacilitieshavethenecessaryequipment, pharmaceuticalsandresourcestomeettheever-growing demandsofpatientsandhealthcareproviders.Thisedition showcasesthetoptencompaniesthathavedemonstrated excellence,innovationandresilienceinoptimizing healthcaresupplychains.
Ourteamofexpertshasextensivelyevaluatednumerous organizationsbasedonvariouscriteria,includingtheir technologicaladvancements,sustainabilitypractices, customersatisfaction,andimpactontheindustry.The companiesfeaturedinthiseditionhavenotonlyexcelledin theseareasbuthavealsodemonstratedtheirabilitytoadapt andthriveinarapidlyevolvinghealthcarelandscape.
Thesetoptencompanieshavesetnewbenchmarksfor supplychainmanagementthroughtheiruseofcutting-edge technologiessuchasartificialintelligence,blockchainand dataanalytics.Byharnessingthesetools,theyhave enhancedinventorymanagement,streamlinedlogistics, reducedcosts,andimprovedoverallefficiency.Indoingso, thesecompanieshavepavedthewayforamoreresilient andagilehealthcaresystem.
Additionally,thefeaturedcompanieshavedisplayeda strongcommitmenttosustainability Theyhave implementedenvironmentallyfriendlypractices,suchas wastereduction,energyconservationandresponsible sourcing,tominimizetheirecologicalfootprint.By prioritizingsustainability,theynotonlycontributetothe well-beingoftheplanetbutalsosetanexampleforthe entireindustry.
Aswecelebratetheachievementsoftheseremarkable companies,wealsoacknowledgetheentirehealthcare
supplychainmanagementsectorforitsinvaluable contributionstothewell-beingofindividualsworldwide. Theindustry’stirelesseffortstoensuretheavailabilityof essentialsuppliesandresourceshavebeeninstrumentalin thefightagainstvarioushealthcrises.
Wehopethatthiseditionofourmagazine,‘10Best HealthcareSupplyChainManagementCompaniesin 2023’shedslightonthebestpracticesandinnovationsin healthcaresupplychainmanagement,inspiringfurther advancementsinthefield.Byrecognizingandcelebrating thesetrailblazingcompanies,weaimtoencouragethe continuousimprovementofsupplychainmanagement processesandcontributetoamoreefficient,sustainableand resilienthealthcaresystemforall.
-SaloniAgarwal
08 Accumen Laboratory Supply Chain Disruption Continues but Mitigation Strategies Exist
10 Best Healthcare Supply Chain Management Companies in 2023
Company Name
Person name
ACCUMEN Inc accumen.com
Blockchain Firm blockchainfirm.io
Mr. Brent Bolton Vice President and General Manager of Supply Chain Operations
Salman Parcy Head of Global Business Development
HighJump highjump.com
Michael Cornell CEO
InterLeukin interleukin.co
Laila Marquez CEO and Founder
LNConsult GmbH lnconsult.at
Thomas Mayr CEO
Phoenix phoenixglobalgroup.com
Athanasios Karagiannis CEO
ACCUMEN Inc enables hospitals, health systems, and independent labs to respond to current challenges and even thrive in today’s unpredictable and ever-changing environment
Blockchain Firm is delivering enterprise blockchain services and sustainable blockchain solutions globally since 2017
HighJump is integrating their proven solutions for the warehouse, transportation and logistics ecosystem with emerging technologies – from around our company and around the world – to build the supply chain of the future.
InterLeukin is the next level B2B smart sourcing solution connecting international and local medical device companies and medical institutions.
LNConsult GmbH is a proven consulting and realization partner for the industrial and retail business.
Phoenix is UK's largest long-term savings and retirement business, serving c 13m customers through its consumer brands.
SCWorx scworx.com
StratMed stratmed.com
Tim Hannibal President and CEO
SCWorx assists healthcare providers in margin improvement and revenue capture through advanced data management services.
Sameer Khan Founder & CEO
Symbia Logistics symbia.com
Megan Smith CEO
YCH Group ych.com
Catherine Yap CEO
StratMed is one of India's largest data-driven, healthcare performance improvement companies.
Symbia Logistics team provides facility-based supply chain support to a variety of industries including aerospace, chemical, dry grocery, health and beauty, industrial goods, kitting, and business-to-consumer fulfillment services.
YCH Group is one of Asia's leading supply chain and logistics conglomerates and partners some of the world’s largest companies and brands in more than 100 cities across Asia Pacific
Laboratory Supply Chain Disruption Continues but Mitigation Strategies Exist
I’m passionate about supply chain, and the effect that is has on an organization’s ability to support their customers, improve quality and service, and reduce operating costs.
Mr. Brent Bolton Vice President and General Manager of Supply Chain Accumen Inc.
Theglobalsupplychainisextremelyvolatile.The COVID-19pandemiccreatedasupplydisruption dominoeffectthatnobodycouldhavepredicted. Globaleconomistsagreethere’snoendinsighttothe ongoingsupplydisruptions.Theseinterruptionstoproduct availabilityaffecteveryindustry–healthcare,technology, manufacturingandagriculture.Toreducesupplyshortages, companies,entrepreneurs,andsignificantmarketplayers arejoiningtechnologyandresearchpartnerstodeliverthe mostcost-effectiveproductstocustomers.
Thechallengeishowtointegratethisintoacompany’s dailyoperations. Theanswerliesintheefficient managementofthesupplychain,especiallyinindustries wherethegapbetweensupplyanddemandishighly volatile,likeinmosthealthcareorganizations.That’swhere AccumenInc.comesin-providingexpertsolutionstoover 1,000hospitalsand4,000physicianpracticesandclinicsin theU.S.toaddresscomplexissueswithitsstrategicand operationallabservices,ComprehensivePatientBlood Management(cPBM),and3Dmedicalpost-processing imaging.
Thecompany’sservicelineisguidedbyitsVicePresident andGeneralManagerofSupplyChain–Mr.Brent Bolton,whohasbeeninsupplychainandstrategic sourcingforover20years.“I’m passionate about supply chain and the effect that is has on an organization’s ability to support their customers, improve quality and service, and reduce operating costs.”
AccumenpartnerswithU.S.healthsystemstoassessand implementkeyoperationalandclinicaltransformational changes,focusingprimarilyontheancillaryservices department.
Astheleadingtechnology-enabledservicescompany,it providesexpertanalysisandrecommendationsforkey operationalandclinicaldecisionsandexpandsthe productivityofproviderteamsthroughsharedservicesand managedresources.Brentsays, “This process automates and accelerates desired results and places data in the right hands, at the right time through technology-enabled analytics.”
Accumenhasawealthofexperienceandexpertise,aswell asastrongnationalnetworkinLab,ImagingandPatient BloodManagement.Theseareallenabledbyextensive operationalandclinicaldataaswellasanalytictechnology solutions.
BrentjoinedAccumenalmostadecadeagowhenthe organizationwasastart-upwithonlyonehealthcare partnership.Heshares, “I always wanted to work in healthcare. I knew Accumen was the right fit for me after learning that the organization’s vision was to improve and enhance laboratory operations. This aligned with my experience and personal commitment to creating value in operations and strategic sourcing.”
Therefore,hetookariskandleftalargemanufacturingfirm witharobustteamtodevelopthesupplychainserviceline atAccumenfromthegroundup.Now,becauseofthe dynamicandgrowingsupplychainsolutionatAccumen, Brentleadsadedicatedteamofexpertsnationwide.In addition,duringhistenureatAccumen,hehasfacilitated thecompany’sextensivegrowthtomorethan50healthcare partnerships.
Thesupplychaininhealthcarereliesheavilyonbuying groupsthatarecalledGroupPurchasingOrganizations (GPO).GPOsnegotiatehigh-levelpricingwithsupply vendorsthatutilizeatier-basedmodelforGPO-member healthsystems.Accumenisuniquebecauseitisathirdpartyintermediarybetweenhealthsystemsandsupply vendors–providinghealthsystempartnerswiththemost
The knowledge and experience of Accumen’s supply chain team is unrivaled within the industry.
aggressivelabpricing,regardlessoftheorganization’s qualifyingtiers.
Elaboratingonthis,Brentsays, “Our model is different because we have a vested interest in seeing savings come to fruition. We are not compensated unless lab costs are reduced. Because of our trusted relationships with more than 50 health systems, we are constantly negotiating these complex lab agreements for our partners.”
Additionally,theirsupplychainteamisanexperienced groupoflabsubjectmatterexpertsandmedicallaboratory scientists. “The knowledge and experience of Accumen’s supply chain team is unrivaled within the industry”,Brent proudlyasserts.
Betweenthesupplydisruptionsandinflation,healthcare costsareskyrocketing.Thiscreatesagrowingstrainon tighteninglabbudgetsandhealthsystemprofitability
Keepingthisinmind,Accumencreatesvaluethroughits LabStrategicSourcingoffering.Theyachievesignificant resultsbecauseoftheiruniquerolewithhealthsystem partnerships,theirtalentedteam,nationalvendor relationships,andextensivemarketdata.
I had always wanted to work in healthcare and knew that Accumen was the right t, after learning that the organization’s vision to improve and enhance laboratory operations aligned with my experience and commitment to operations and strategic sourcing.
AspartofanAccumenpartnership,theteamdoesextensive testmenuoptimizationonexistinglabequipmentand make vs. buy analysestodetermineiftestingshouldbedone internallyorexternallyandconsistentlyseekopportunities inreferencelabconsolidation.
“For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital laboratories had to acquire a lot of molecular testing equipment, which had overlapping test menus. As a result, we are currently working with many of our partners to standardize and consolidate molecular testing. Another strategy for reducing costs would be through test utilization management.”
Accumen’snationallyrecognizedLabStewardshipprogram partnerswithclinicianstodeterminetheclinicalefficacyof thetestsbeingordered.Hecomments, “After all, the best way to reduce a cost is to avoid the expense in the first place. This is not only good for the patient but also for the health system’s bottom line.”
Majorsupplychaindisruptionsaregenerallycausedby somesortofconstraintslikeapandemic,geopoliticalevent, naturaldisaster,ormajorrecall.Whenthosedisruptions occur,ithasadominoeffectthroughoutthesupplychain andconstrainsbothsupplyandlaborresources.Insupply chainterminology,thisiscalledtheBullwhipeffect.
ThecurrentCOVID-19pandemicisanunfortunate exampleofthisperfectstorm.Ingeneral,hospitalsupply chaingroupsaresufferingfromstaffingshortages.The supplychainteamresponsibleforsourcinglabproductsis evenmoreimpactedbecauselaboratoryexpensesaresucha smallportionofthehospital’stotalbudget.
Duringacrisis,hospitallabsourcingmanagersarestrained morethanusual,tryingtoseekoutalternatesourcesof supply Thisreducestheirabilitytoperformproactivelab strategicsourcing.Insuchsituations,Accumenassistsin twoways:
Ÿ First,theircorebusinessistodolabstrategicsourcing. TheypartnerwithLabandSupplyChaindepartmentsin healthsystemstocreatealong-termroadmapthatwill ultimatelydrivecostreductionsandincreasevaluefor thehealthsystem.
Ÿ Secondly,theyhavecreatedasecondarylabdistribution networkthattheirclientscanutilize.
Brentremarks,“We have been developing a vast network of hundreds of regional distributors who are
minority/veteran/women-owned businesses that don’t typically sell to hospitals. The distributors might primarily sell to a physician group or some private practitioner. They sell the same products that the hospital lab uses, so we utilize this network as our source for supplies.”
Thesesourcesarenotavailabletothehospitalsourcing agent,soclientsbenefitbyleveragingtheAccumen partnershiptosourceanyhard-to-findsupplies.
InadditiontoLabStrategicSourcing,Accumenalsohasa robustvarietyofclinicalservicelineofferings.Oneofthe mostsuccessfulandimpactfulistheirComprehensive PatientBloodManagement(cPBM)program.
Formanyhospitals,abloodtransfusionisthemost commoninpatientmedicalprocedure.Bloodproductsare alsooneofthelargestlineitemsinamultimillion-dollar laboratorybudget.Unfortunately,transfusionpracticeoften varieswidelybetweenphysicianswithinahospitaland betweenhospitals-avariationthatisoftennotexplainedby differencesinpatientacuity Transfusionarefrequently usedwhentheyareavoidableorinappropriate.Studies showthat40-60percentoftransfusionsareunnecessary.
Accumen Technology deploys Lab I.T. Consulting to drive standardized and more ef cient work ows. It also offers operational analytics that provide real-time performance visibility and actionable insights to support improved transformations within key lab focus areas.
Accumenoptimizeshealthcarethroughitstechnologyenabledclinicaloptimizationinrelationshiptoblood management.Accumen’scPBMprogramisapatientcentered,systematic,evidence-basedapproachtoimprove outcomesbymanagingandpreservingblood,while promotingpatientsafety.Accumen’scPBMprogram deploystwokeytechnologies,PBMAnalyticsand ®MyBloodHealth thataresupportedbyconsultingand educationservices.
TheAccumencPBMprogramwouldnotbesuccessful withoutrobustanalyticsandsoftwaretechnology. Therefore,ashealthsystemsemergefromtheCOVID-19 pandemic,thereisaneedtoaccelerateenterpriseLabI.T Analyticsthatprovidestrategiesandrespondresilientlyto futurequestions.Thisenableshealthsystemstomanagethe constantchallengesofstaffingshortages,regulatory obligations,andever-increasingstandardsforquality patientoutcomesandphysiciansatisfaction.
Sharingdeeperinsightsonthis,Brentsays, “Accumen Technology Solutions (ATS) deploys Lab I.T Analytics to drive standardized and more efficient workflows. Our ATS also offers performance analytics that provides real-time visibility and actionable insights to support transformations for key lab focus areas such as Lab Quality and Service, Lab Stewardship, Lab Outreach Excellence, and Lab Productivity.”
Allcurrentmarketdatasuggeststhatsupplychaincostsand supplyshortageswillcontinueintheforeseeablefuture. Therefore,allhealthsystemsneedtoimmediatelyreview buyingpracticestoensuretheyarepurchasingfromthe distributorthatprovidesthemostvalue.
Additionally,healthsystemsneedtodoathoroughanalysis ofthetestsbeingsenttosecondaryreferencelabsand determinewhatcanbeprocessedattheprimaryreference laborin-house.
Brentaffirmsthatboththesestrategieswouldyield immediatecostsavings.Hesuggeststhatalong-term strategythatgeneratessignificantvalueisthroughalab strategicsourcingroadmap.Withoutastrategicsourcing plan,hospitallaboratorieswillcontinuetobereactive.
Forthesamepurpose,Accumenpartnerswithahealth systemtocreateamethodical,long-term,andstrategic sourcingroadmap.Indoingso,hesays, “We identify
opportunities for vendor consolidations, cost reductions, test menu optimizations, and the elimination of unnecessary equipment.”
Throughoutthisprocess,thecompanygainsleveragefor futurevendornegotiationsandreducesunnecessary expenses-thus,savingapatient’shard-earnedmoneyand contributingtothecontinuousflowofsuppliesin healthcare.
Accumen’simplementationoftechnologysolutions, improvementofoperationalefficiencies,anddramaticcost reductionshavemadethematrustedpartnerwithinthe healthcareindustry.Becauseoftheirsuccess,healthsystem executivesarequicklyexpandingthescopeofservicesfor Accumenbeyondlaboratorystrategicsourcing.
Brentremarks, “Because of our successful laboratory strategic sourcing partnerships, many of our existing clients have requested that Accumen expand its services into other clinical specialties.”
Tosupportthisgrowth,Accumenhasacquiredtalentonits supplychainteamandisactivelypursuingprojectsin orthopedictraumaimplants,cardiacstents,custompacks androbotics.
Theirapproachtotheseclinicalcategoriesvariesfromlab becausephysicianpreferencesheavilydrivethem,andthey workcloselywiththeclinicalteamtostandardizesupplies, leveragevendorvolumesandimplementchange.
WhenBrent’sjourneywithAccumenstartedalmosta decadeago,heenvisionedanorganizationthatwould partnerwithhealthsystemsthroughoutthecountryto implementprocessimprovements,reducesupplyand operationalcosts,andimprovepatientcare.
Brentisthrilledtoseehisvisionhascometoreality,and thatAccumenhasgrownfromastart-upcompanytothe mostnationallyrecognizedhealthcareperformance improvementpartnerintheU.S.Heisconfidentthatthe nextdecadewillbringadditionalsuccessforAccumen clientsandisexcitedforwhat’sahead.
Salman Parcy
Head of Global Business Development
Blockchaintechnologyhashelpedeasetheprocesses andlessentheburdeninthehealthcaresector Blockchainhastheabilitytoreducethecurrent spendingbubble,protectpatients’data,keepareal-time trackoftheactivities,andfulfilthecrucialneedsofthe healthcareindustry.Italsoenhancestheprimaryoperations andenablesreliability,ensuringpromptfunctioningofthe businesses.
Withanaimandvisionofenhancingthetraditional businessprocesses,BlockchainFirmprovidesenterprise blockchaindevelopmentservicesandsolutionsforvarious industries,focusingprimarilyonthehealthcaresector. Beingoneofthefewearlyadoptersofblockchain technology,itsultimategoalistohelpallenterprises andorganizationsadoptblockchainintotheir businesses.
UnderthevisionaryleadershipoftheHeadof GlobalBusinessDevelopment,Salman Parcy,BlockchainFirmenablestransparency andsecuritytobusinessprocessesusing blockchaintechnologytowardsan absolutebettermentoftheirclientsinthe industry
ThePrologue
Establishedin2017,Blockchain Firmprovidesenterpriseblockchain developmentservicesandsolutionsfor variousindustries,withastrongfocuson thehealthcarespace.Beingoneofthefew
earlyadoptersofblockchaintechnology,itsultimategoalis tohelpallenterprisesandorganizationsadoptblockchain intotheirbusinesses.
Salmanstatesthatthecompanyunderstandsbusiness processeslikenootherandhelpstransformitsclient’sideas intorealitywithinnovationandcreativity.Hevirtuously believesthat “instead of making clients, businesses should make partners who have mutually benefiting vision and strive towards a common goal.”
SalmanParcy,theHeadofGlobalBusinessDevelopmentat BlockchainFirm,leadsthebusiness,marketingand brandingteamsacrossthecompany’sglobaloffices.He believedthattheseaofopportunitiesandoptimisticscope ofgrowthcomeswithtechnologicaladvancement.This inspiredhimtosetthecompany’svisioninmotion.And now,heisonthemissiontoventureblockchaintechnology intoeveryindustrypossible.
Salmanbelieves, “I have a strong thought in mind - as a leader, every word you speak will be analysed, every action you do will be followed, and every standard you have will be set. So, I make myself a visionary, thoughtful, entertaining, and the most assertive person.”
Thecompanyhasacollectivesuiteofblockchainservices tailor-madeanddeliveredforenterprisesandorganizations
accordingtotheirbusinessrequirements.Whenabusiness ownerapproachesthecompanywithanidea,itdedicates itselftounderstandingtheconceptin-depthanddraftinga feasibilitystudy
Afterthereisamutualagreementonthestudy,thenthey moveforward.Andifthere’sroomforimprovement,the companywillbeaddingitsideastoo.Salmanstates, “We do this because we ought to give our clients the best services possible.”
Thehealthcareindustryisoneoftheprimaryindustriesthat requireadvancedtechnologyintegration.Blockchainisa powerfulandadvancedtechnologythatoffersmany benefitsforhealthcare.
Sincethecompanyisapioneerinblockchain,Salman thoughtofanidea. “Instead of just digitizing the existing systems, we focus on creating a healthcare ecosystem with a unified portal that provides easy access and connects all participants digitally.”
Thisecosystemcouldserveend-to-endpurposes-right fromacquiringthepatientstostoringpatients’recordsas electronicrecords,connectingpatientswith doctors/surgeons,keepingreal-timetrackoftheactivities, monitoringthedrugsupplychain,streamliningthepharma, andmore.
Thehealthcareindustryisoneofthesignificantsectorsthat gotdisruptedmajorlyduringtheCOVID-19pandemic.The
entireworldfacedalotofstrugglestosendandreceive medicines,essentials,andotherthings.Topreventthisin thefutureandcreateabetterhealthcaresupplychain system,BlockchainFirmmightconsideranalysingthe existingmodelsthatdealwithhealthcareandthepotential implicationsoftechnologies.
Further,whilespeakingofthelatesttechnological advancements,Salmanasserted,“Introducing blockchain technology to the healthcare industry is the best and most modernistic solution we can do to achieve transparency, traceability, security and operational excellence.”
Therehavebeenvariousadvancementsinthehealthcare industryposttheCOVID-19pandemic.Manyhealthcare companieshavealreadybeguntodigitizetheirservicesand securetheirrecordsefficiently.Itcouldbemuchbetterif blockchaintechnologyisintegratedintotheirsystems.
AssaidearlierbySalman, “To make the future ours, our idea is to create a healthcare ecosystem that connects patients, hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, labs, and other healthcare participants.”
Salmanbelievesthatthechasetobringapositivechangeis crucialforthenewgeneration.Theyouthshoulddeeply ponderonchangingtheformulaicconceptsandworkon buildingabroaderperspectiveoftheinvention.
Theaudacitytochooseunfamiliarroadsandhavingthefire tochasetheirdreamsshouldbethemantraforyouth.Asthe youngergenerationstrivestoachievemore,theyshould leveragethisawarenesstobecomestrongandperfect decision-makers.
Salmanasserts, "We are stepping into the most advanced concept to date - Metaverse, this year. We already have a community of more than 200 members traversing across multiple locations, which is set to double within a year." Furthermore,thecompanyisalsoindulginginacontinuous processofexperimentingwithadvancedtechnologiesthis year
The company has a collective suite of blockchain services tailor-made and delivered for enterprises and organizations according to their business requirements.
Technologyhasbeentransformingthehealthcare
industryforyears,anditsimpactisonlygoingto increaseinthefuture.Thehealthcareindustryis facingmanychallenges,suchasrisingcosts,anaging population,andashortageofhealthcareprofessionals. Technologyhasthepotentialtoaddressthesechallenges andtransformtheindustry.
Theintegrationoftechnologyinthehealthcareindustryhas alreadybeguntorevolutionizepatientcare,operational efficiencyandhealthcaredelivery.Fromelectronichealth recordsandtelemedicinetoartificialintelligenceand robotics,technologicaladvancementsareenabling healthcareorganizationstostreamlineprocesses,enhance diagnostics,andimprovepatientoutcomes.
This article will explore the role of technology in transforming the healthcare industry and provide industry insights into the future of healthcare.
Thehealthcareindustryisfacingmanychallenges,suchas risingcosts,anagingpopulation,andashortageof healthcareprofessionals.Technologyhasthepotentialto addressthesechallengesandtransformtheindustry The followingaresomeofthewaysinwhichtechnologycan transformthehealthcareindustry
Ÿ ImprovedretrievalofMedicalInformationand Data:Theabilitytostoreandretrievedatahasbeenone ofthemostsignificantbenefitsofthedigitalrevolution. Healthcareprovidersmaynowaccesspatientdatafrom anywhere.Furthermore,theintranetandinternethave
enabledhealthcarepractitionerstoquicklycommunicate medicalinformationwithoneanother,leadingtomore efficientpatientcare.
Ÿ BigData:Bigdatahasthepotentialtotransformthe healthcareindustry.Itcanbeusedtoidentifypatterns andtrendsinpatientdata,whichcanbeusedtoimprove patientcare.Bigdatacanalsobeusedtoidentifyhighriskpatientsandprovidethemwiththenecessarycare.
Ÿ Telemedicine:Telemedicineistheuseoftechnologyto providehealthcareservicesremotely.Ithasthepotential toaddresstheshortageofhealthcareprofessionalsand improveaccesstohealthcareservices.Telemedicinecan beusedtoprovideremoteconsultations,monitor patientsremotely,andprovideremotecare.
Ÿ WearableTechnology:Wearabletechnologyhasthe potentialtotransformthehealthcareindustry.Itcanbe usedtomonitorpatientsremotelyandprovidethemwith thenecessarycare.Wearabletechnologycanalsobe usedtotrackpatientdataandprovideinsightsinto patienthealth.
Ÿ ArtificialIntelligence:Artificialintelligencehasthe potentialtotransformthehealthcareindustry.Itcanbe usedtoidentifypatternsandtrendsinpatientdata, whichcanbeusedtoimprovepatientcare.Artificial intelligencecanalsobeusedtoidentifyhigh-risk patientsandprovidethemwiththenecessarycare.
Thehealthcareindustryisundergoingadigital transformation,andtechnologyisplayingasignificantrole inthistransformation.Thefollowingaresomeofthe industryinsightsintothefutureofhealthcare.
Ÿ DigitalTransformation:Improvinghealthcareand strengtheningcustomerinteractionsneeddigital transformation.Itismorethansimplytechnological investments;itleadstochangesinorganizationalculture andemployeeengagement.Manygreathealthsystems areembracingsixfundamentalideastogoforward digitally:
Ÿ Focusonthecustomer
Ÿ Createadigitalculture
Ÿ Buildadigitalworkforce
Ÿ Embracedataandanalytics
Ÿ Createadigitalecosystem
Ÿ Investindigitaltechnology
Ÿ Patient-CentricCare:Patient-centriccareisthefuture ofhealthcare.Patientsarebecomingmoreinvolvedin theirhealthcaredecisions,andtechnologyis empoweringthemtotakecontroloftheirhealth.The futureofhealthcareneedstobemorepatient-centricto providepatientswiththenecessarycare.
Ÿ VirtualCare:Virtualcareisthefutureofhealthcare.It hasthepotentialtoaddresstheshortageofhealthcare professionalsandimproveaccesstohealthcareservices. Virtualcarecanbeusedtoprovideremote consultations,monitorpatientsremotely,andprovide remotecare.
Ÿ PersonalizedMedicine:Personalizedmedicineisthe futureofhealthcare.Ithasthepotentialtotransformthe healthcareindustrybyprovidingpatientswith personalizedcare.Personalizedmedicinecanbeusedto identifyhigh-riskpatientsandprovidethemwiththe necessarycare.
Ÿ DataAnalytics:Dataanalyticsisthefutureof healthcare.Ithasthepotentialtotransformthe healthcareindustrybyprovidinginsightsintopatient health.Dataanalyticscanbeusedtoidentifypatterns andtrendsinpatientdata,whichcanbeusedtoimprove patientcare.
Asthehealthcareindustrycontinuestoevolve,the integrationoftechnologywillbeimperativeforitsfuture success.However,itiscrucialtoaddressconcernssuchas dataprivacy,security,andethicalconsiderationswhen implementingtechnologicalsolutions.Strikingtheright balancebetweenthehumantouchandtechnological advancementsisessentialtoensurethatpatientsreceive compassionateandpersonalizedcarewhilebenefitingfrom thepotentialoftechnology
Technologyhasthepotentialtotransformthehealthcare industryandaddressthechallengesitisfacing.The healthcareindustryneedstoembracedigitaltransformation toimprovehealthcareandstrengthencustomer relationships.Thefutureofhealthcareneedstobemore patient-centrictoprovidepatientswiththenecessarycare. Virtualcare,personalizedmedicineanddataanalyticsare thefutureofhealthcare.Thehealthcareindustryneedsto embracethesetechnologiestotransformtheindustryand improvepatientcare.
-SaloniAgarwal
AsfoodpricessoarinBritain,thousandsare
strugglingtofeedthemselvesandtheirfamilies. Thecost-of-livingcrisisintheUKhasmeantthat manychildrenoflow-incomefamiliesareeatingcheaper food,smallerportionsandsometimessleepinghungry Foodcharities,foodbanksandotherhelplinesare inundatedwithqueriesrelatedtotheregularsupplyoffood.
London-basedfoodcharityTheAkshayaPatra FoundationUK(TAPF),reportsa15%increasein enquiriessinceAugust2022,justaftertheyconcludedtheir summerfoodservicewhentheyofferedover70,000meals invariousholidayclubsinLondon.Thebeneficiariesare mostlychildrenfromlow-incomefamilies.
8-year-oldProdipKumar(name-changed),astudentat DormersWellsSchoolinEalinginWestLondonisfidgety. Helooksanxiousforabreakatschool.Ontheothersideof thebreakisahotmeal,filledwithcheeseandvegetables, awaitinghim.“MynameisProdip,Iam8yearsold.My favoritemealismacandcheese.Itistastyandfullofflavor WhenIeatfood,itmakesmefeelfull.AndIwanttoeat more.”ThemealsareservedbyTheAkshayaPatra FoundationUK,aspartofaspecialinitiativebytheschool tohelpoutlow-incomefamiliesdealingwithrisingcosts.
“Weneedsolutionsthatarecost-effective.Thesemealsby AkshayaPatraarecheap–ahotmealwithfruitand vegetablesforunder£3.Theportionsizesaregood,and
manychildrenliketotakesomefoodhome,maybefortheir parentstoeat.Thefoodisvegetarianandthatfeelskindto theearthtoo.”SaidRabiaCornelius,PupilandFamily workeratDormersWellsJuniorSchoolinEaling.
TacklingHunger&MalnourishmentTogether—the AkshayaPatraWay!
Whilecharities,foodbanksandotherorganizationsare stretchedofferingsupportbysharingfood,oftenthe thoughtofwhatisbeingfedisneglected.Packagedfood fromtins,cansarebetterthansufferinghunger.However, nutritionistswarnthatchildrenconsuminghighlyprocessed foods,andfoodsohighinsaltsandsugarsoveralong periodoftimecanactuallybeheadingtoanotherproblem–malnourishment.Thespikeinillnessesinchildrenoverthe yearshasburdenedtheNationalHealthSchemeintheUK.
TheAkshayaPatraFoundationUKhavebeenthought leadersintacklingHungerandMalnourishmenttogetherat thesametime.Thecharityhasalegacyofover23yearsin India,whereitservesover2millionchildren,daily These mealsarehot,nourishingandvegetarian.Withtheirstateof-the-artkitchen,theycanproducefreshlycookedfoodat speedandatscale.Thecharitylauncheditsfirst internationalkitchenintheUKinOctober2020.Their fully-steelsustainablekitchenhasbeendonatedby philanthropistorganizationGMSPFoundation.Itisthe largestofitskindandcancookupto8,000mealsin3 hours.
Bhawani Singh Shekhawat is the CEO of The Akshaya Patra
Founda on in Europe, the world’s largest and perhaps most celebrated school meals program that is currently serving over 1.6 million children every day, amoun ng to over 2 billion meals.
TheflagshipprogramisaptlytitledNourishtoFlourish thusfaralreadyservedover650,000hot,nutritious, vegetarianmealstochildrenatLondonschools,holiday clubsandcommunitycentres.“Hungerknowsno nationalityorbackground.Itisarecurringproblem–3 timeseachday.Andifweignoreourchildren,weare puttingourownfutureatstake.Thesechildrenwillbeour leaderstomorrow–wemustcollaborativelyfeedthemand feedthemright.So,weusebestpracticestotryand mitigatetheproblem,asbestaswecan.We’dlovetoserve childrenatschoolsaswell.Allchildrencanaffordameal too.Becauseourmealsarehealthy,cookedspeciallyfor
childrenwhowishtolearn.Andlearningatthatagedoes notneedfoodloadedwithhormones,processedfloursand preservatives.Theyneedtoeatatschoolliketheyeatat home.”SaidBhawaniShekhawat,CEOatTheAkshaya PatraFoundationUK.
Therearemorethan3millionchildrensufferingfrom hungerintheUK.Ofthem,nearly800,000childrenarein Londonalone.
ToknowmoreaboutTheAkshayaPatraFoundationUK (thenametranslatestoanunlimitedpotoffood)–please visitwww.tapf.org.uk.
Thehealthcareindustryisconsideredtobeoneofthe
mostimportantinanyeconomy.Itisresponsible fortheprovisionofhealthcareservicestothe population,whichisessentialforthewell-beingofthe people.Thehealthcaresectorisalsooneofthemost complexsectors,withmanychallengesthatneedtobe addressed.Oneofthemostsignificantchallengesfacingthe healthcaresectoristheoptimizationofthesupplychain. Thesupplychainisanessentialcomponentofthe healthcaresector,anditisresponsibleforthedeliveryof healthcareproductsandservicestopatients.
Thesupplychainisanessentialcomponentofhealthcare delivery.Thesupplychainisalife-saving,criticalaspect thatpromotesthedeliveryofservicesandcommoditiesto theend-user,whoisthepatientinhealthcare.The healthcaresupplychainisgrowingincreasinglychallenging
tomanageashealthcaresystemsbecomemore unpredictableandcomplex.Uncertaintyandhazardsare presentateverystageofthehealthcaredecision-making process.
In this article, we will discuss the top five strategies for optimizing the supply chain in the healthcare sector
Improvingsupplychainmanagementisrequiredto guaranteethathealthcarepersonnelhavetheresourcesthey needtoexecutetheirduties.Thesupplychainprocessisan essentialcomponentofhealthcaredelivery.Thesupply chainisalife-saving,criticalaspectthatpromotesthe
deliveryofservicesandcommoditiestotheend-user,who isthepatientinhealthcare.Managingthehealthcaresupply chainisgrowingmorecomplexashealthcaresystems becomemoreunpredictableandsophisticated.Uncertainty andhazardsarepresentateverystageofthehealthcare decision-makingprocess.Insuchinstances,goodhealthcare supplychainmanagementiscritical,aswemustensurethat vitalhealthcaresuppliesaresuppliedinadiversified mannerthroughoutahealthcaresystemattheappropriate qualityandquantity.
Targetedactionssupportsupplychainimprovement.The COVID-19pandemichascompelledhealth-caresupply chainstobecomemorerobustandproactive,pushingthem totheirlimitationswhileboostingtheirstrategicrolewithin theorganization.Engagementfromhealthsystem executivesandclinicalleadersinkeyareaswillbecrucial tomaintainingsupplychainsuccess.Ashealthsystems reflectontheirsupplychainperformance,theyshould considerthefollowingtargetedactions:
Ÿ Developacomprehensivesupplychainstrategy
Ÿ Establishagovernancestructure
Ÿ Buildadata-drivensupplychainorganization
Ÿ Investinanalytics
Ÿ Improvesupplychainvisibility
Ÿ Optimizeinventorymanagement
Ÿ Implementavalue-basedapproachtoprocurement
Theuseoftechnologyisanotherstrategyforoptimizingthe supplychaininthehealthcaresector Technologyhasthe potentialtotransformthehealthcareindustryandaddress thechallengesitisfacing.Thehealthcareindustryneedsto embracedigitaltransformationtoimprovehealthcareand strengthencustomerrelationships.Thefutureofhealthcare needstobemorepatient-centrictoprovidepatientswiththe necessarycare.Theimportanceoftechnologyinhealthcare isdeeplyrooted,anditisessentialtokeepupwiththelatest trendsandinnovationstostayaheadofthecurve.
Providersshouldincreaseorderaccuracyandthoroughly reviewcontractsandinventorylevelstooptimisehealthcare supplychainmanagement.Inthisdayandageofpayment reform,efficienthealthcaresupplychainmanagementis
criticalifhealthcareexecutiveswanttodecreasecostsand enhancequality.Aneffectivesupplychainhasthepotential toimprovehealthcareservicedelivery.Managing complicatedsupplynetworks,ontheotherhand,isa difficultundertaking.Tosuccessfullymakeimprovements toasupplychain,healthcareexecutivesshouldalsouse effectivetechnologies,whichalsoneedtobesupportedby strongcontracts.
Promotingeffectivenessandefficiencyinthehealthcare supplychainiscriticalfororganizationsseekingtoreduce costsandimprovecare.Onaverage,medicalsuppliesnow accountforaroundaquarterofhospitalspending.Supply chaincostsareprojectedtoriseasaresultofgeneral inflationandrisingmedicaldeviceanditemprices.Assuch, healthcareprovidersneedtopromoteefficiencyinthe supplychainby:
Ÿ Reducingwaste
Ÿ Streamliningprocesses
Ÿ Improvingcommunication
Ÿ Investingintechnology
Ÿ Buildingstrongrelationshipswithsuppliers
Healthcareisoneofthemostimportantareasinany economy.Itisresponsiblefortheprovisionofhealthcare servicestothepopulation,whichisessentialforthewellbeingofthepeople.Thehealthcaresectorisalsooneofthe mostcomplexsectors,withmanychallengesthatneedtobe addressed.Oneofthemostsignificantchallengesfacingthe healthcaresectoristheoptimizationofthesupplychain. Thesupplychainisanessentialcomponentofthe healthcaresector,anditisresponsibleforthedeliveryof healthcareproductsandservicestopatients.
-SaloniAgarwalInahospitalsetting,healthprovidersrelyonsuppliers todelivermedicalsuppliesquicklyandwithprompt responsesonadailybasis.
Butissueswithmedicalsupplierscontinuetoexist.From suppliesnotbeingdeliveredontime,poorcompliancewith purchasingpoliciestomovingback-and-forthbeforethe finalpurchaseorder,thesegaps,whenunattended,resultin adelayedmedicalsupply
Forthisreason,InterLeukinInnovationsInc.,adigital platformbasedinthePhilippines,isheretoenhancethis supplier-buyerconnection.Eliminatingthesupplychain gap,itcollaborateswithlocalandinternationaldistributors andmanufacturerstoenhancethebuyers’retailexperience. Thecompanyensurestoprovideasmoothinteractionof supplierandbuyerwhiletheproductismanufactured, purchasedanddeliveredtoitsendclient.
Thisplatform,ledbyLailaMarquez,theCEOand Founder,providesthemostadvanceddigitalsolutions, facilitatingaffordableandquality-assuredmedicalsupplies tofosterabetterhealthcaredeliverysystem.
Let’s peek into InterLeukin’s operations to see what makes it a perfect digital solution for suppler-buyer interaction.
O Marquez’s neof partnerswasonceamedicaldistributor whokepttradingandsellingmedicalitemsfortwentyyears inManilaandnearbyprovinces.Foryears,shehadgained thetrustandsupportofhospitalsinthoseareas,gainingher businesslargeprofits.
ButduringtheCOVID-19pandemic,thesamebusiness wasseverelydisrupted.Notonlyshewasunabletomeet thedemandsofhercustomersduetothehighcost,butalso thesaleswentdown.Customersbegantoentertainother suppliers,andshewasunabletopromoteherproducts directlytothehospitals.
Ontheotherhand,hospitalsandlabsareexperiencing issueswiththesuppliers,astherearegreaterdelaysin receivingthesuppliestheyneed.Forinstance,Marquez,by profession,isaMedicalTechnologist.Duringherpractice, shewouldoftenfindherselfinthepositionofabuyerand fixtheprocurementneedsofherdepartment.Butaftera while,workinginthelaboratorybecameroutineworkfor her That’swhenshedecidedtotrytheothersideofthe world,i.e.,tobecomeasupplier
“I grew my sales career with local and international medical device companies wherein I would digest every bit of experience I had in this field. That led me to have a burning desire to build a company that will solve the pains of being a supplier and a buyer in the medical industry,” addsMarquez.Inthatinstance,InterLeukinwasborn,with theinitiativetoenablethesedifferentcustomerstointegrate inadigitalspacetomaketheirhealthcarebusinesscrisisproofthroughtechnology.
Beingadigitalsolution,ithasbeenhelpingofflinemedical businessescreateacost-savingrevenuestreamby simplifyingmedicalsupplydistributionacrossdifferent medicalinstitutionsthroughane-Commercetechnology
Thereisalwaysachallengeofpenetratingdifferentmarkets acrossthePhilippinesthatrequiresalotofinvestment, energyandeffort.Butboththemedicalsuppliersand institutionsarelookingforwaystoconnectwitheachother withoutthehassleofwaiting,makingtoughnegotiations, andclosingasalethatinturnwillleadtocreatinga purchaseorder
Addressingthechallenge,InterLeukinoffersa comprehensiveprocurementmanagementtool(tomanage allmedicalpurchasingneeds),end-to-ende-commerce support,anddataintheindustry Thishasenabledspacefor smoothinteractionbetweenthebuyerandsupplieruntilthe purchaseorderhasbeenmadeandtheproductisdelivered.
InterLeukinalignsitsoperationswiththesixcorevalues, like:
Integrity:Wedeliverwhatwecommitbyallmeans.
Innovation:We believeinthecontinuousartof improvement
Diversity:Weloveeveryone’sdifferences,andwe appreciateeveryone’sideas
Quality:Wemakesuretobringthebestqualityproducts andservices
Excellence:Westrivetogobeyondourlimitstobecome thebest
Customer-focused:Weworktoserve,nottobeserved.
Both medical suppliers and institutions are looking for ways to connect with each other without the hassle of waiting. Streamlining the traditional way of purchasing, InterLeukin has enabled space for a smooth interaction between the buyer and supplier, up until the purchase order has been made and the product is delivered.
Allthesevaluesarecrucialtobuildingateamthatwill growthecompanytogether.Inaddition,theywouldbecome itsambassadors,bringingforththesevalueswhendealing withinternalandexternalcustomersandattaining InterLeukin’sobjectives.
Tostreamlinethetraditionalofflinewayofmedical purchasing,i.e.,fromsellinguptodeliveringproductsat thewarehousesofmedicalinstitutions;InterLeukinutilizes
differenttechnologiesthatcanbeimplemented,suchas cloudtechnology,AIandmachinelearning.
SinceInterLeukinisadigitalsolution,Marquezandher teammakesurethattheyareupdatedonthelatest happeningsintheindustrybyattendingseveralnetworking events,conferencesandmeetingswithindustryexperts. Thisallowsthemtopreparethingsaheadandoffertheir clientsaqualityuserexperience.Inaddition,collaboration isyetanotherstrategythatservesthecompanyinkeeping everythingonpacefortheclients.
Onemusthaveacertainlevelofinvolvementwiththe healthcareindustryinordertogrow.Forthose entrepreneurswhodesiretowalkonMarquez’sfootsteps, shesuggests,“Your patience and resilience will be overly stretched. You will find a lot of things here that will frustrate you. Don’t settle on complaining about the things that are lacking. See scarcity as a shot for growth, and what’s present is your foundation of improvement.”
InterLeukinhasbeenaconstantsupportinassistingwith medicalsuppliessinceitsestablishment.Intheprevious year,itwasnominatedfor2021StartupNewcomerofthe YearandStartupoftheYear2021intheASEANStartup Awards,recognizingitscontributiontothehealthcareand medicalsector.
Lookingahead,thecompanyisreadytotake-offonoffering aninnovativebusinessmodeltothemedicalindustrythat willbringthembetterbusinessacrossdifferentcountries thattheywishtoexpandto.InterLeukinwillleadthe enablementofseveralbigmedicaldevicecompaniestoa healthcareeCommercespacethatwillsolvetheir challengesinmarketpenetration,regulatory,supplychain andlogistics.
