How Julio Chavarria and NDC’s warehouse team keep the supply chain running.
Julio Chavarria’s career has been built by working in a supply chain culture with high expectations: orders must go out on time with high quality standards, while simultaneously managing costs and prioritizing warehouse safety.
“After more than 10 years with NDC and in various warehouse roles from packing, picking and sweeping the floor – I can honestly say that no two days are the same,” said Chavarria, Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement Operations at NDC, Inc.
The job of warehouse employees often requires long hours in a variety of weather – the facility can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter – and employees spend the day on their feet, lifting and moving heavy product.
Though Chavarria says supply chain warehouse work can at times be mentally and physically demanding, the reward of getting essential products to healthcare providers and their patients keeps him and his team dedicated and focused.
“One of the greatest challenges of the job is also one of the most rewarding: adapting quickly when priorities shift,” said Chavarria. “Urgent requests come in, and it’s our job to respond immediately while maintaining the same high quality and accuracy.”
Much more than boxes
Many do not realize just how much detail and energy goes into fulfilling each product in a warehouse order.
From carefully tracking inventory and supply to picking, packing and preparing for shipment, Chavarria and his team go above and beyond to build each pallet of product.
“It’s not just about moving boxes, it’s about protecting the product, packaging it with care and making sure every shipment meets our quality standards,” said Chavarria. “It is also a team effort that requires constant communication and collaboration across different functions.”
While the people working in the warehouse aren’t on the front lines of healthcare, the work that they do directly impacts both patients and providers.
“We don’t go home until our work is done – what we are doing today is critical to keeping the supply chain running, and cannot be pushed to next day,” said Chavarria.
A team effort
For Chavarria, a strong relationship with his warehouse team is essential to ensuring overall smooth operations and productivity at work.
“I start every day by connecting with my team – making sure they have what they need to succeed and encouraging them to give their best,” said Chavarria. “I interview every new warehouse hire personally to make sure they understand exactly what the job entails so they know what to expect from day one.”
Even in the most challenging of circumstances, the warehouse team must come together to ensure the supply chain continues to run.
“During the height of COVID-19, our team came in every single day – with no work-from-home option – knowing how essential our role was,” said Chavarria. “We worked long days, often with fewer people, but we never let that slow us down.
“We didn’t take even one day off during the pandemic, and we kept moving product so that providers and patients could get what they needed,” Chavarria continued. “Looking back, I’m proud knowing there are families we helped during one of the most challenging times in healthcare.”
The unyielding dedication of NDC’s warehouse team is key, ensuring that the company meets evolving customer needs and delivers on its mission.
“No matter what comes our way, we adjust, adapt, and do what it takes to get the work done,” said Chavarria.
Right products to the right place
Each function of the warehouse, from receiving, picking, packing and shipping work cooperatively to complete a common goal of fast, quality distribution.
“Each function plays a critical role, and success depends on clear communication and mutual respect,” said Chavarria. “We all share the same goal: getting the right products to the right place, on time.”
When there is a delay, shortage, or urgent need within the supply chain, Chavarria relies on strong connections with other teams at NDC to quickly communicate and figure out a solution.
“Relationships are key. When challenges arise, we come together to find solutions and make it happen,” said Chavarria. “We communicate between teams directly, make a plan and focus on resolving the immediate need while also learning from the situation to prevent it from happening again.”
At this point in his career, Chavarria has had extensive experience in his role and has now been given the opportunity to be a mentor and help others grow.
“Our team has worked hard to create an environment where members are encouraged to learn new skills, take on responsibilities and think beyond their current role. Seeing people I’ve coached go on to become supervisors, managers and leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” said Chavarria.
At NDC, a culture of mentorship and coaching helps each team member perform at their very best, directly strengthening both distribution and the overall performance of the business itself.
“It’s not just about the impact we make on the healthcare supply chain – it’s about the lasting impact on individuals, their families, and their futures,” said Chavarria. “Knowing that our work improves patient care while also helping people grow professionally makes me proud every single day.”
Chavarria, too, is inspired by his wife and two boys, who motivate him to approach his career and the supply chain with purpose.
“My personal motivation is my family and the job that we do because what we do every day impacts someone’s life. We’re not shipping consumer goods like computers or shoes – these are supplies that might be used to treat someone’s grandmother, a child, or a spouse,” said Chavarria. “I think about my own family, and how much it would mean to know someone was working hard behind the scenes to help them. That perspective keeps us all focused on the bigger picture.”