Assist/Low Unit of Measure programs are ideal inventory services once ADUs levels are optimized. Reduction of on hand inventory, reordering time, additional staff, and expired medications are but a few factors to conceder when doing a cost analysis associated to these services. Having experience with both Cardinal's Assist program and Morris and Dickson's Low Unit of Measure program, I prefer Morrison and Dickson. I am able to have two deliveries a day as opposed to one with Cardinal as well as specific replenishment count (each) not quantities of 5 or packs with Cardinal. The issue in my opinion is not should this type of service be utilized, but how can we as supply chain specialist maximize the benefits of these programs.
I have installed and nurtured Cardinal Assist since May 2003. I believe in the program. I understand the frustration many of you who have it feel since I too have felt it.
The program has its benefits--and like most of you, I often wondered about these benefits.
Since I had not seen any upfront benefits, I decided to dedicate my Masters’ thesis on this program. I changed the name of the program, the name of the company and the hospital but I used the numbers from our facility.
I found that the benefits do outweigh the cost! If it’s upfront savings you are looking for --I can tell you right now that unless you have over a thousand line items you will not see it. However, I saw savings in time, waste, inventory turns, etc. The key to the program is optimization!
If anyone is interested in speaking to me about this, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
Well, I have heard some positive and some negative feedback. It's almost as if you need another Tech dedicated to optimization, portfolio maintenance and and education...not something that I personally have time for in-between the 5 hundred other things that I am responsible for. Which stresses my point that the program does need constant monitoring and dedicated resources.
