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| National Medical Logistics Newsletter |
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| Dear Friends,
The healthcare supply chain , like the economy in general, is off to a turbulent start this year. Last month National Medical Logistics provided insight on the projected plans associated with the new Sec. of HHS; however, even that attempt to read the future quickly vanished with Daschle's departure. All the noise in the industry and present market makes it a good time to focus on fundamentals, which turns our attention below to "slotting", a must for effective supply chain management.
Despite the difficult times, demand for healthcare services will continue; providing world class execution remains our focus. We are humbled by the confidence companies place in NML. Below are several new relationships NML is partnering with to achieve optimal supply chain execution.
Look for additional news concerning our growth in the weeks to come.
Sincerely,
Tom Seliquini and Greg Swanson
To contact us now, click here. | |
HSS Selects NML
NML has been selected by Healthcare Supply Solutions [HSS] to assist with selecting, designing and establishing a new state of the art 50,000 square foot distribution center in Jacksonville, FL. This HSS facility is strategically located near one of the country's fastest growing sea ports and will provide master distribution services to healthcare manufacturers and distributors alike. HSS services are designed to reduce order cycle times, inventory investments and operating/logistics expenses associated with managing the healthcare supply chain..
As part of the project, NML assisted in evaluating and selecting the optimal distribution center location and facility, developing warehouse layouts and office space plans, establishing enterprise resource planning systems requirements [ERP] and managing a warehouse equipment RFP process. The result of these activities will help HSS establish a world class distribution business. To read more, click here. |
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NML to Work with PAMC
The Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC) supply chain management team has selected NML to assist with implementing the second phase of a Low Unit of Measure (LUM) program with their distributor. NML successfully supported the implementation of the initial LUM program that was launched in December of 2007. Additionally, NML supported optimizing the current courier provided services.
As part of the project, NML assisted PAMC in developing operational tools for Inventory Management centered on General Stores, PAR and Point of Use inventory level optimization. The tools will support the ongoing review of usage and inventory levels enabling supply chain management to improve the service level to their customers. The courier review will provide an improved reliable service 24/7, while reducing overall cost. To read more, click here.
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 The Importance of Product Slotting
Product slotting is the process of ensuring a product's physical characteristics [size, packaging, etc] are placed into the best racking medium [shelving] at the most conveniently accessible position [bin location] based on the anticipated probability of picking and put away activities.
Just as important to the mix of storage and retrieval systems used to design a facility is the efficient placement and storage of those items. This process is very important to productivity and requires on-going maintenance, especially during times of SKU changes [increases/decreases, etc.]. While these concepts can apply to general Central Storeroom environments, they are even more important for an efficient distribution center operation.
It is NML's experience that most medical/surgical distribution facilities do not do a good job of maintaining proper product slotting techniques. This is caused by a number of discipline challenges, as well as the sheer variation in demand, fragmentation in units of measure and the lack of industry standardization. For more information on approaches to improving the slotting process, click here.
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