Since the pandemic, healthcare systems have struggled to get medical devices, surgical supplies and pharmaceuticals to the frontline workers on time. Between 59-83% of healthcare organisations have reported delays or increased lead times in acquiring supplies. To stabilise the healthcare supply chain for the future, it’s important to understand the challenges that resulted in the disruptions during the pandemic.
Poll results
In our most recent LinkedIn poll, we asked our social media followers what they thought the biggest supply chain issue was in the healthcare industry in 2022.
Healthcare industry supply chain issues: what we found
Cost management
33% of respondents highlighted cost management as the biggest healthcare supply chain issue for this year.
During the pandemic, there was an increase in demand for personal protective equipment and medical supplies. As a result, this caused costs to increase at a fast rate. Supply expenses are forecasted to surpass personnel costs and become the biggest expense for the healthcare industry. Because of the lack of visibility in supply ordering, the industry has faced a large issue with waste, delayed procedures and high inventory costs.
Integration challenges
33% of respondents highlighted integration challenges as their biggest issue in the healthcare industry.
Integration challenges contribute towards cost increases and visibility issues. Data integration across ERP, legacy supply chain systems and external sources, is needed to connect the dots.
Lack of resilience
27% cited lack of resilience as the biggest supply chain issue for the healthcare industry.
The pandemic showed a greater need for resiliency in the industry. There is importance for healthcare to have greater adaptability to shifting conditions while preparing for the ‘next normal’ post-pandemic. Mitigating supply chain disruptions have significant impact for the bottom-line and patient care. That’s why supply chain disruptions have become such an important priority.
Ander
Finally, 7% selected ‘other’ as the greatest challenge facing the healthcare industry.
For example, while other could highlight many different challenges, one of these could be poor visibility. Specifically, a lack of quick access to real-time data from systems. This makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to determine what’s needed, what’s in stock and the scope of demand for the future. Organisations are unable to manage what they don’t know exists.
More information
B2BE’s experience in the supply chain sector allows our customers to build, expand and adapt successfully, enabling greater effectiveness. To engage with B2BE and offer feedback on what matters most to you and your business, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and across social media. You can also vote in our latest LinkedIn poll. If you’d like to discuss your future supply chain strategy, get in touch with us.