Supply Chain Series

This module is an introduction to the critical function of Supply Chain Management. The module gives an overview of the evolution of supply chain management and the importance of an efficient supply chain in the healthcare system.
Module duration: Approximately 8 minutes.

This module covers information about the role of distribution in enterprise-wide supply chains. Topics included here are: The different types of supply chains, the categories of distributed products, systems deployed for the distribution of medical systems, Low-Unit-Of-Measure (LUM) distribution. Also covered in this module are the strategies of distribution management, different types of distributors, supply chain distribution options, and the role of the distributor in the supply chain.
Module duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

This module covers information about the purpose of a contract, the necessary components of a contract, and the various elements of managing a contract. The module also examines the steps involved in the contracting process as well as relevant contracting strategies.
Module duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

This module covers the definition of purchasing, the mission of the healthcare system’s purchasing department, the role of the purchasing department in a hospital, and its relationship to other components of the supply chain. The module also explains value analysis, the characteristics of a successful value analysis program and the composition of a value analysis team. Furthermore, the module contains information about the Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), sourcing, capital equipment purchasing, the steps in the purchasing process, and the different types of purchase orders
Module duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

This module covers the different stages of the negotiation process and guides on active listening skills to negotiate. It provides information on developing an effective negotiation strategy and better negotiation skills to improve outcomes.
Module duration: Approximately 40 minutes.

This module gives an understanding of the importance of inventory management for a hospital and the different ways to manage inventory for the smooth running of a hospital. Topics covered include the definition of the term inventory, the role of inventory in a supply chain, inventory concepts, inventory tools, and the use of technology in inventory management.
Module duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

This module helps define vendor management and explains the importance of vendor management. It covers why immunization is important for vendor representatives and lists the immunizations required for vendor representatives. It outlines the topics that a representative should know and explains terms of a vendor agreement. Also covered are the role of a supply chain leader as well as the process of ensuring patient information confidentiality.
Module duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

This module explains how working relationships play a significant role in the overall effectiveness of business, and how to manage internal and external relationships in the supply chain. It also explains the differences between Physicians and Physician Owned Distributors (PODs). Additionally, the module covers the elements of an effective work relationship and talks about organizational goals and customer intelligence.
Module duration: Approximately 20 minutes.

This module explains how technology enables different supply chain management strategies and talks about technology applications in supply chain management. It covers the technology planning process and the steps of creating a business case for technology implementation. It also explains how to sell a technology plan to decision makers.
Module duration: Approximately 20 minutes.