Supply chain tip of the week: Effectively communicate change

When planning for and implementing changes to your supply chain, it is important to include all stakeholders in the process, according to Tom Fox, a managing director at healthcare consulting firm Novia Strategies.

He shared the following tip with Becker's Hospital Review.Tom Fox

Consider all departments impacted by the potential change and include representation in meetings where changes are proposed. All communication should include information describing the proposed or effective changes in sufficient detail so they will be clear to those impacted. It is also advisable to include:

  • "Before" and "after" scenarios for either product or process changes
  • The reason for the change
  • The expected implementation date
  • The contact person to call if there is a question

Taking these steps will support a smooth transition to new products or processes.

Furthermore, it is critical to inform users when a product is on back order or out of stock for any reason. This dialogue should provide information about plans to provide an interim substitute, as well as the expected date for re-stocking of the regular item. Proactive communication ensures users will be able to accommodate their processes to interim products during a "stock out."

More articles on supply chain:

Insurers scale back insulin coverage amid price hikes
Value-based supply chain management: 5 questions with Cardinal Health's Carola Endicott and Ken Shastany
Johns Hopkins study shows drones can safely transport large bags of blood

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars