Swisslog-Sponsored Supply Chain Consolidation Forum Connects Thought Leaders From US Hospitals

DENVER, Oct. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with Swisslog, the Journal of Healthcare Contracting recently gathered health system executives at the first Supply Chain Consolidation Forum, an educational meeting for hospital systems evaluating new distribution strategies.

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"Conflicting pressures to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes continue to drive standardization across hospital networks. As a result, consolidation and centralization of resources such as supply management, pharmacy, laboratory services and food service are creating significant cost-saving opportunities for many systems," explains Kent Roberts, Vice President of Business Development for Swisslog. "This event was designed to cultivate conversation and best-practice sharing between some of the most forward-thinking hospitals in the United States."

Attendees heard from a diverse group of hospital supply chain experts about the challenges and issues encountered when justifying, planning, implementing and running a consolidated service center. The speakers included:

• Mike Switzer, VP Supply Chain, North Mississippi Medical Center
• Randy Hayas, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Orlando Health
• John Mateka, Executive Director Supply Chain, Greenville Healthcare System
• Gary Vance, Hospital Planning and Architecture Consultant
• Brent Petty, 2015 Chairperson for AHRMM
• Tim Nedley, VP, Materials Management, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Lloyd Gravois, AVP of Logistics - Pharmacy and Supply Chain, Ochsner Health System

"The Supply Chain Consolidation Forum proved to be a high value exchange of information for the attending and presenting supply chain leaders," remarks John Pritchard, Publisher of the Journal of Healthcare Contracting and owner of The MAX and MDSI. "As we continue down the path of healthcare transformation, so many systems are pursuing major initiatives to ensure their success, it was great to hear how these progressive systems are using centralized distribution as one of those initiatives. I commend Swisslog for helping to lead that conversation."

The forum concluded with a warehouse tour, highlighting the additional space and labor savings available to hospitals that utilize high-density storage and retrieval automation in their distribution centers. Attendees experienced a demonstration of AutoStore® , the same Swisslog technology utilized by Medline Industries to automate the loading, storage and picking of split-case and low-unit-of-measure (LUM) SKUs.

"By utilizing a goods-to-person model, and eliminating airspace typically needed for aisles and wasted racking space, AutoStore is able to reduce space and labor needs by as much as two-thirds," explains Roberts.

Automated storage, along with technology such as radio-frequency (RF) devices and pick-to-voice systems, contribute to the efficiency, throughput and accuracy achieved by leading hospital distribution centers.

As the topic of centralized distribution for hospital systems continues to gain momentum, collaboration and information-sharing between supply chain executives will be key to developing best practices, driving standardization and increasing the speed of adoption for consolidated service centers. For more information on developing a consolidated service center, download the white paper, "Achieving Supply Chain Transformation through Consolidation."

To explore future events focused on transforming hospital supply chain, visit the Journal of Healthcare Contracting's website at www.jhconline.com.

About Swisslog

Swisslog designs, develops, and delivers best-in-class automation for forward-thinking hospitals, warehouses, and distribution centers. They offer integrated solutions from a single source – from consulting to design, implementation and lifetime customer service. Behind the company's success are 2,500 employees worldwide, supporting customers in more than 50 countries.

Swisslog is part of the KUKA group, a leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions. www.kuka.com

About the Journal of Healthcare Contracting

The Journal of Healthcare Contracting is the only publication that is solely devoted to the contracting arena of healthcare. It focuses on the interactions of the four primary stakeholders in healthcare contracting: health systems and their facilities, manufacturers and suppliers, distributors and group purchasing organizations. The participants in the contracting arena will grow to rely on The Journal of Healthcare Contracting for industry understanding, insight into the minds of thought leaders and collaboration opportunities amongst contracting constituents.

Editorial Contact:
Beth Riggio
Marketing Manager
Swisslog Healthcare Solutions
Phone: 303.373.7952    
Email: Email

SOURCE Swisslog Healthcare Solutions

Related Links

http://www.swisslog.com/healthcare