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Lack of medical supplies due to delays or disruptions in the supply chain can cripple the healthcare industry. Thatu2019s why an efficient medical supply chain system is needed. Patients can then receive much-needed medical care on time.<br>
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Listed: The Features and Benefits of 3PL Warehouses for Healthcare Logistics Lack of medical supplies due to delays or disruptions in the supply chain can cripple the healthcare industry. That’s why an efficient medical supply chain system is needed. Patients can then receive much-needed medical care on time. Now, a supply chain can be described as a web of physical and informational resources that help deliver goods or services to the end user. It entails a series of processes, starting from manufacturing items until their delivery to their final destination. All the same, when it comes to medical supply chain management, it also focuses on identifying any weak links in the chain and bridging the gaps, ensuring seamless delivery of your products and services. Well, warehousing's role in the healthcare supply chain is critical, and you can rely on 3PL services for the storage of medical devices and equipment. A 3PL warehouse for Medical Devices is governed by the prevailing Pharmaceutical Laws of the region, which means you need not worry about compliance issues. A reliable 3PL provider can store drugs, medical devices, and personal protection equipment. These essential supplies can then be delivered to you as per your requirements. Furthermore, RFID tracking systems have made it possible for you to monitor your shipments while ensuring their safety.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that outsourcing medical device logistics to 3PLs is not the same as outsourcing the logistics of commercial products. Here, we explain 3PL terminology and the features and benefits of healthcare logistics. 3PL Terminology Third-party logistics has various interpretations. Such providers efficiently manage the supply chain for the shipper while adhering to the stipulated deadlines. Moreover, they improve efficiency and lower costs via logistics information systems and logistics consulting. In a nutshell, in the healthcare industry supply chain, 3PLs act as intermediaries, offering a warehouse for medical devicesand making deliveries as and when required. Features of 3PL Medical Logistics The various features of 3PL healthcare logistics include: 1) Seamless Inventory Management The storage of medical devices is all about managing serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates. More so, they have to be handled as per their status, which could include before shipping or after shipping. 2) Easy Traceability Traceability management allows you to have real-time access to inventory movements. This ensures the visibility of the stock volumes in all locations. Medical device inventories can then be managed more efficiently while enabling businesses to adapt to any market changes.
3) Efficient Temperature Control Different medical devices have to be stored at varying temperatures. Hence, the 3PL warehouse for medical devices should allow for temperature control for their preservation. The Importance of Warehousing in the Healthcare Supply Chain Industry Warehouses are hubs where medical items are stored temporarily to deliver to pharmacies and hospitals, among other medical facilities, depending on the requirements. The benefits of partnering with 3PLs providing warehouse facilities are seen below: 1) Manages and Tracks Inventory
It is not advisable to overstock or understock medical items. While the former could lead to their expiry, the latter may result in an inadequate supply of life-saving equipment. Nonetheless, when you collaborate with a warehousing partner, inventory management becomes easy. With access to the entire supply chain process, you can track your deliveries in real-time when you lease a warehouse for medical devices. Additionally, you learn how your products are managed and shipped when you work with a 3PL partner. All this ensures on-time shipping and order fulfillment. Overall, warehousing services can ensure a continuous supply of medical equipment, thereby decluttering your on-site storage space and preventing overstocking. Many warehouses are also equipped with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for the electronic tracking of inventory. This means you can view all your supplies in the warehouse and restock them whenever needed. 2) Adheres to prevailing healthcare supply chain regulations The storage of pharmaceuticals and medical devices is governed by a set of rules laid down by the Food and Drug Administration. That means a warehouse for medical devicesshould have provisions for climate control, humidity settings, and security measures, including alarms. When you tie up with a pharmaceutical warehouse, you can be assured of compliance with such regulations. Hence, you can have updated and safe medical devices at your disposal. Besides that, WMS tracking inventory systems make it possible for you to keep track of batch numbers, facilitating potential recalls of medical equipment in your supply chain. 3)Minimizes Risk
Collaborating with a third-party warehouse can also help to reduce the potential risks in your healthcare supply chain. That’s because 3PLs have contingency plans for managing emergency situations, including natural calamities. In the process, these providers are well-equipped to meet your delivery needs of medical devices and supplies promptly. Furthermore, the best warehouses have their own security systems to detect and prevent the loss, reducing the risk of theft significantly. 4) Avoids Delays Prompt delivery of medical supplies is crucial for the smooth functioning of the healthcare industry. Most third-party warehouses have their own distribution centers, whereby they can
load the medical supplies on trucks for delivery to hospitals and other healthcare hubs. In turn, your essential supplies can be delivered soon enough and without any delays. 5) Leads to Cost Savings By hiring a 3PL warehouse for medical devices, you can save on costs, too. That’s because you do not need to spend on building a storage facility or employing management personnel. Rather, the third-party warehouse takes care of all your storage and transportation needs, ensuring you receive your medical supplies on time. 6) Facilitates your expansion plans Tying up with a third-party warehouse also comes with the benefits of scalability. As such, you can lease storage space as per your specific requirements. When you have more orders, you can rent out more storage space. On the other hand, you have the option of leasing out less storage space when sales decline due to unforeseen circumstances. All this eliminates the need for you to invest in a storage center, resulting in greater savings while catering to your needs as per the demand. 7) Leverages the Potential of Automation Tools The introduction of robotics in the healthcare industry has revolutionized its processes. Automation is increasingly being used in various healthcare settings, which include shipping, warehousing, and inventory management. Overall, automated systems are helping to optimize operations, improve the accuracy of orders, and minimize risks. Summing It Up
So, we have seen the various benefits of outsourcing your healthcare logistic requirements. Also, automation in the healthcare industry is helping to lower costs, increase efficiency, and keep your products secure. When you partner with a reliable 3PL provider, like OSVFTWZ, that has an advanced technology platform, you gain access to robust data models to improve efficiency across your processes. Thus, you can reach new customers and take your business many notches above.