It might not always be easy for members of a sophisticated supply chain to identify exactly what processes need to be enhanced to create a maximally functioning system, but sometimes one clear element is more noticeable. In the case of the supply chains that are used by the medical industry, one major improvement may be the use of a specific identity verification system to keep track of orders.

An article in "Perspectives in Health Information Management" details a study by three different researchers that looked at the benefits of using what is called a Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, system to be coupled with different products that require shipment and special security.

It apparently works by broadcasting information for equipment readers to detect, which could supposedly both increase the amount of information that supplies could carry and reduce the amount of time it takes to observe and process this data.

In the introduction to this article, the authors argue for the necessity of efficiency during what can be a long and convoluted process.

"Because supply costs are the second largest expenditure in hospitals, accounting for about 30 to 40 percent of the average hospital operating budget, careful and efficient control of supply costs is critical for a hospital's success," they write.

If business management software has not been put into action for your practice or medical organization, this can be another example of a tool that could help make this part of the industry simpler and better connected. Contact us for more information on how to implement a software system that can get you the greatest results.