Facility Managers Tackle Supply Chain Challenges

After more than two years of supply chain disruptions, many facility mangers are looking for new ways to ensure they get the products their buildings and tenants need, especially managers of health care facilities, where obtaining supplies in a timely matter can help save patients’ lives.

A disruption in the supply chain can disrupt an entire industry across the world for weeks. Healthcare Facilities Today advises that facility managers take a break from their old methods of running supply chains, examine what is not working, and come up with a new plan. It offers three tips to help managers repair their supply line issues:

1. Diversify your supply sources: Buying everything from one place can be easier and more efficient when supplies chains are flowing as expected. But a glitch in the chain may leave you without products for weeks. Selecting several different sources for your supplies will make it more likely you receive at least a limited number of supplies instead of none.
2. Question problems: Instead of ignoring problems with your supplier or quickly finding a new source for supplies, talk to your source. Ask probing questions. Communication may help you get to the bottom of your problems and resolve them without changing suppliers.
3. Reexamine your process: Regularly reevaluate your supply chain process to ensure it is still efficient and cost-effective. Consider new innovations to drive efficiencies and reduce cost and waste. Even if your vendor-supplier partnership is strong, don’t miss opportunities to question the status quo.