Consolidated service centers to enhance your healthcare logistics

While hospital supply chain organizations pioneer the consolidated service center concept, 48% of hospital systems are considering centralization of pharmacy services at a CSC. Only Swisslog Healthcare brings together expertise in logistics, warehouse operations and medication management to deliver efficiency and accuracy in medication supply chain management.

Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can assist you in designing the perfect building to optimize your flow of goods and anticipate future growth.

Beyond the cost benefits of standardization from centralizing medication and supply distribution, automating the processes within a CSC can drive substantial labor savings through enhanced pick-productivity and labor reduction. The return on the investment for this type of automation can play an important role in justifying the creation of a CSC.

Our configurable modular unit dose solutions increase packaging storage and picking efficiency to virtually eliminate errors at dispense.

Efficiencies gained through the implementation of a CSC allows providers to spend more time performing billable clinical services and attending to patient needs.  

Automation in hospitals improves logistical efficiency and overcomes the challenges associated with storing and transporting medical products. Robotic dispensing systems can be used to store and retrieve drugs as needed. Such automation solutions maximize the accuracy in storing and picking of required medication which results in better use of the available working time of pharmacy and nursing staff.

Although the initial investment in automation solutions can be substantial, they can significantly reduce costs over time by increasing the hospital's efficiency. This, in turn, allows the hospital to provide more value-added services to patients and accept more patients seeking treatment. In other words, while the upfront cost may seem daunting, the long-term benefits of implementing automation solutions make it a wise and cost-effective decision for hospitals.

Effective healthcare logistics warrants continuous availability of materials and medications to support the optimal care of patients. Proper planning and coordination of all logistical process steps within a hospital is crucial. This includes, among other things, the analysis and optimization of transport processes, controlled stock levels or the use of software-based systems for more detailed transport traceability.

Automated systems reduce manual errors, conserve valuable resources, and optimize logistical operation within a hospital.

Common challenges in healthcare logistics are:

1. Prevailing cost pressures in hospitals pose a challenge to efficient healthcare logistics since budgets are often limited.
2. A variety of medical supplies are needed within hospitals, resulting in complex procurement and transportation processes.
3. Medicinal products usually require special and/or secure storage, hygiene, temperature and humidity requirements.
4. Wards often have limited storage capacity, which can result in frequent deliveries of replenishment orders to ensure continuity of care.
5. The shortage of qualified healthcare professionals can impact logistics, as staff are predominantly needed in patient care.

These challenges must be overcome to ensure effective patient care.