Inventory sourcing and procurement could look very different in 2018 than in 2017, according to a report from Strategic Sourceror.
Here's what you should know:
1. When it comes to inventory procurement hospitals have to keep patient quality at the forefront, with supply cost constantly in mind.
2. Although time-established processes offer tested inventory practices, hospitals have to be constantly improving their inventory management procedures to ensure the best deals. According to the report, "The same kinds of philosophies that are moving retail forward could have valuable applications in healthcare if leaders let them."
3. In the upcoming year, as healthcare services continue to consolidate, inventory procurement could change drastically. Two such examples are found in CVS' proposed acquisition of Aetna and Amazon debating whether to enter the healthcare market. If either deal is completed, the ramifications could be felt immediately with healthcare supply chains possibly being interrupted or modified.