It's time to automate the orthopedic trauma device supply chain, according to Summate Technologies President Phil Sayles.
Here are six takeaways from Mr. Sayle's recent LinkedIn post:
1. In the orthopedic trauma device market, outcome improvements gained through hardware innovation are flattening out because the product cycle has reached maturity.
2. This market is seeing lower growth rates due to price pressure, despite steadily rising volume. Two primary factors influencing the trauma market are bundled/capped payment structures and a shift in surgeons' power in purchasing decisions.
3. The original equipment manufacturer device industry is turning to supply chains to offset the resulting squeeze in profits. Automation will help fix the OEM trauma market supply chain, which is long, error prone and costly.
4. The weakest link in the OEM trauma market supply chain is the "distracted, manual usage documentation during surgery," according to Mr. Sayles. Scanning implant at point of use — during surgery — can fix this problem, and create more efficiencies down the line.
5. Hospitals' underinvestment in operating room support has created an inefficient workforce that has trouble managing complex trauma supply chains, even with digital tools. Sales representatives should have the skills to manage and build relationships with a sophisticated customer base of orthopedic surgeons.
6. Transactional scanning and data management provide massive benefits to any industry, including healthcare, Mr. Sayles said.
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