“ Finally , engagement is about using data to guide our users into the optimized processes and the preferred choices via a unified user experience layer ,” Vikas adds . “ Our goal is to create an interventional supply chain , drawing on the intelligence from our data to correct processes in real-time – rather than reacting to issues much later in the process , which causes inefficiencies in procurement processes and sets us up to be reactive all the time . The overall transformation is expected to take three to five years , but we hope to introduce the first set of capabilities within 18 to 24 months .” Northwell is also enhancing how the indirect spend portion of the supply chain is managed . “ Non-clinical category management teams are creatively structuring contracts to generate meaningful transactional data , allowing for stronger vendor negotiations and tighter enforcement of contract terms ,” states Greg Lowe , Assistant Vice President , Supply Chain . “ Additionally , the Supply Chain team is working closely with the Health System ’ s corporate Facilities Services department and site Engineering departments to build a unified enterprise facilities asset management system . Enterprise asset management will further the Health System ’ s process by which strategic capital allocation and deployment decisions are made and provide a clearer lens into the total cost of ownership , including capital acquisition cost , useful life and depreciation cost , energy consumption , and maintenance .”
Phyllis is keen to recognize the hard work and dedication of the employees working within Northwell ’ s supply chain . “ Throughout Covid-19 , we had to demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness to be able to resolve issues ,” she comments . “ Despite not being on the frontlines , our department remained equally focused on ensuring the clinical staff was well supplied and protected from the challenges of the pandemic .
“ Individuals within the supply chain department are members on different committees across the network , managing their designated service lines ,” she concludes . “ Our category experts are the critical bridge between Northwell ’ s service lines and suppliers . Maintaining strong relationships internally and externally has been the most significant factor in enabling a well-orchestrated supply chain and allowing our GPO ( Group Purchasing Organization ) to impact Northwell ’ s bottom line year-over-year positively . Overall , we could not have a better team .” ■
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