Smart Inventory Management Systems (SIMS)
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2020
To mitigate the issues faced while managing consignment stocks and improve accuracy in stock-taking and forecasting. SIMS successfully transformed healthcare inventory management, reducing waste, enhancing productivity, and improving stock.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Technology, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Operational Management, Inventory Management, Digitalisation, Automation, Robotics/Autonomous Systems, Digital Health, Data Management, Data Analytics, Data Visualization
About this Content
Aims
To mitigate the issues faced while managing consignment stocks and improve accuracy in stock-taking and forecasting.
Background
Manual stock-taking processes led to inaccuracies, delays, and increased processing costs. Improper handling and storage resulted in misplaced items, adding inefficiencies.
Methods
Implemented RFID-based SMART cabinets integrated with real-time inventory analytics. Automated top-up triggers, predictive usage patterns, and systematic reconciliation ensured seamless stock control.
Results
Improved accuracy in inventory forecasting, reduced human errors, and increased productivity. Automated replenishment minimized manual interventions and improved patient safety.
Conclusion
SIMS successfully transformed healthcare inventory management, reducing waste, enhancing productivity, and improving stock traceability.
Lessons Learnt
Effective communication and traceability were critical to success. Further improvements include linking traceability to case numbers for billing accuracy.
Additional Information
Recognized for driving automation and process improvement across NUH and ST Logistics.
Keywords
Automation, Inventory Management, RFID, Predictive Analytics, Waste Reduction, Safe Care, Process Improvement, NUH, ST Logistics
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital, ST Logistic |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Albert Ho |
Project Member(s) | Tong Kim Loo |
Connect with this contributor!
Albert Ho - albert_ho@nuhs.edu.sg