ABSTRACT
The foundation of an optimized supply chain is a single, unified supply management process that provides complete visibility and control over every medical supply used in all areas of patient care-inpatient, ambulatory, and other. Such a system improves quality and reduces waste by identifying and eliminating nonvalue-added activities. It allows organizations to reduce par levels (i.e., quantity of an item that is needed to support daily operation) and minimizes excess and hoarded supplies. It also minimizes or eliminates the time that clinical staff and other users are involved with activities related to the supply chain. Simply put, when executed successfully, an optimized supply system ensures that when clinical staff reaches for an item, it is available in its specified location for immediate use.
