Reengineering hospital materiel management

Reengineering involves significant change and dramatic rethinking of the business process. The expected result of these changed processes is dramatic improvement. Hospital cost pressures and technological change necessitate review or reengineering the process to enhance customer service at a lower cost. Three areas that yield significant results include reducing the cost of purchasing, implementing new technologies, and empowering teams to accomplish customer driven goals.     

Tomorrow's materiel management executive today

As materiel management executives in today's market, the challenges of not only operating effectively but with fewer resources is a reality that has no end in sight. The role of the materiel executive in hospitals is moving from supply manager to resource consultant. This may be quite appealing to many of us; however, not all are prepared to assume these responsibilities. As a result, we find ourselves overwhelmed with information and examples of case studies from different facilities describing how they are resolving their individual issues. Reactions to these changes are met in different ways, ranging from marveling at others' imaginations to fear from not understanding how to commit to these radical new processes. Is there a proper way or a mold to use? I suggest not.     

Strategies for materiel management executives

With a more centralist political philosophy emulating on Capital Hill, this article focuses on potential effects on materiel management executives of a half-competitive (managed care) and a half-regulatory (Medicare and Medicaid) environment in organizing and financing health services. It predicts a far more contentious field; further cutbacks in nonpatient care personnel, including senior positions for material management executives; the centralization of tertiary services; and the possibility of additional regulatory approaches to protect the public.     

Reengineering materiel management using computer technology

The Materiel Management Department in today's hospital is in a uniquely advantageous position. It can better support the hospital's mission by applying current techniques in material management systems automation together with current computing technology as part of a broad-based reengineering process. Materiel management executives, suppliers, software developers, and hardware manufacturers now have all the necessary tools to create and implement a flexible, cost-effective, complete, paperless system. The model system offers tremendous advantages in terms of increased productivity and reduced total cost. This article discusses the process and the tools and techniques that should be considered.     

Reengineering materiel management for strategic placement

The future of a hospital's materiel management function will depend on how well aligned it is with the institution's strategic direction. A sleek, customer-directed, information-rich supply process will provide the competitive edge. A reengineering mindset is needed to meet the challenge.     

The future role of materiel management

The objectives of this article are to review Dean Amer's forecasts and offer my personal observations as to why the forecasts were not completely accurate, review current business pressures and trends that present unprecedented opportunities for professional experts with leadership skills, and share a personal forecast as to what role materiel management can and should play in the future in manufacturing enterprises.