The medical supply chain is one of the least recognized and most important sectors in our day-to-day lives. While it had not been talked about for years, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical device logistics and supply chain has been brought front and center on everything from trade-show discussions to the nightly news.
What are the most important things when it comes to warehousing and logistics within the medical space? Product safety, tracking and order accuracy, and on-time shipping are some of the most common answers. Really, it comes down to being a proven medical device warehousing and logistics team when working in the medical field. Working with a team that has experience with medical devices and a background in a variety of medical device warehousing and logistics is a must when vetting prospective partners.
Product Safety
For medical devices and equipment, keeping them safe as they move throughout the supply chain is the top priority. Medical devices typically will have specific requirements for temperature, and humidity and have strict expiration and use-by dates. Depending on how the medical devices are packaged, individuals working in medical device logistics may need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the manufacturing, packaging, and warehousing processes. Clean rooms are also designed to ensure that products are not cross-contaminated with any foreign materials that could affect the operation of medical devices.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE for medical staff has also been a logistics hot topic. Getting these professionals, the masks, gowns, and tools they need to do their jobs every day is a top priority for every medical device logistics professional.
Inventory Tracking
Tracking within the medical space is also extremely robust. Not only are products tracked to ensure they are picked, packed, and shipped accurately, but there are many additional tracking measures in the supply chain. Room temperature and humidity are tracked in many medical device warehouses. People handling the products are also carefully monitored to ensure safety and accuracy. Many medical devices can be extremely expensive as well, so ensuring the proper tracking is in place is a requirement of every medical device logistics and medical warehousing team.
Supply Chain & Product Demand
Meeting the strict and sometimes hectic demand for medical devices and equipment should be another top priority for your logistics team. While running out of an item in a retail environment isn’t the end of the world, in many cases running out of specific medical devices and materials can cause massive issues for doctors in clinics and hospitals. Ensuring the products are shipped and delivered on time and kept available for staff as needed takes an organized team throughout the entire medical device warehousing and logistics process. Medical device demand is also just as important at a consumer level, some devices for medical conditions are impossible to live without and logistics teams are responsible for making sure they are delivered on time and as needed for everyday use.
For teams that work with medical devices and equipment, product safety, accurate tracking, and meeting the demand of their clients are top priorities. Medical warehouses are designed to mitigate as much risk as possible and medical logistics teams are trained to ensure the safety of products throughout the entire process. From storing in precise environments to shipping in tight windows, having a reliable medical device warehousing and logistics team is a must for any medical device and equipment provider!