To save on freight, start by evaluating your direct shipment strategy.
- Identify products that could be delivered in a more cost-effective and efficient way. Target high-end physician preference products often found in the OR and Cath Lab. These areas get a lot of direct shipments, and you can save money by looking at high dollar value items that could come into the hospital in a different, more efficient way.
- Consider taking items off consignment. Over time, consignment can be expensive and get out of hand. Look to maintain the right level of consignment and for opportunities to move product off consignment to bring them into the clinical areas in a more efficient way.
- Recognize some products should stay direct. This isn’t an all or nothing proposition. Data and analytics can help determine which items should come direct and which should come in a more aggregated fashion.
To optimize your supply chain, explore these resources, insights and services.