The word on the street is that as the supply chain gets more complex, distributors are increasingly playing a vital role in creating cohesive partnerships. The “street” is the corridors and meeting rooms of HIDA’s Streamlining Healthcare Expo & Business Exchange. It’s where leaders from over 300 distributor, manufacturer, group purchasing, and provider organizations met in Chicago to advance excellence throughout the healthcare supply chain.
More than 1,200 business-to-business meetings took place during the September event, along with educational sessions, an Innovation Expo, Independent Distributors Summit, and many networking opportunities. It brought together a great mix of distributors, GPOs, and health systems to tackle today’s pressing problems, prepare for what’s looming on the horizon, and share best practices to help elevate the industry as a whole.
Attendees and educators took a deep dive into these recurring themes:
The healthcare supply chain is getting more complex. Health system leaders who attended the expo described the challenges they face as their companies merge with other systems and look for new ways to manage non-acute sites. Providers are asking their GPO and distributor partners to provide more complex services.
Cohesive partnerships are essential. It’s imperative that distributors, manufacturers, GPOs, and providers work closely together. GPO participants shared actionable advice for improving pricing accuracy. Providers detailed how distributors help supply chain operations run smoothly and health system leaders meet strategic targets.
Distributors play a vital role in streamlining operations. Participating health systems and GPOs need help improving their contracting processes and implementing strategic initiatives. Many manufacturers seek assistance in reaching potential customers. All parties identified a need for common practices and standard definitions. Distributors are well-positioned to help partners in the supply chain meet these needs.