There are solutions which can be put in place to help mitigate the supply chain issues, if not prevent them entirely. It all starts with communication and asking the right question. From the start, we must ask: “Are we effectively managing risks to our supply chain?” We must also communicate the supply chains risks, start planning from the very start of the manufacturing process, and set reasonable expectations.
The crisis created a need for smarter manufacturing processes. That means looking at unique elements within the process and figuring out how to use them to continue to bring treatments to patients despite supply chain issues, which is always the endgame for manufacturing medical devices. Elements such as:
- 3D printing. The pandemic and shortages in supplies such as PPE showed that 3D printing could be the solution, to fill gaps. If you have 3D printing capabilities, and the device or component can work effectively with printed parts, this is a way to reduce the needs for shipping.
- Telemedicine. There’s no denying allowing doctors to work over the phone or via computer, remotely, has grown in use and reached a peak during the pandemic. It seems remotely treating patients is going to continue to develop. Paired with something like wearable devices, it is now possible to get treatments or analysis even when only remote options are available.
- Wearables. Wearable medical devices allow people all around the world to analyze medical data. With advances in technology, wearable devices are smaller, more portable, and more easily allow collaboration with medical professionals almost anywhere, thus almost completely bypassing the supply chain.
- Point of care testing. The purpose pf POC testing is to bring the test closer to the patient. This cuts through supply chain issues by removing the need to send a test through the chain to get a test accomplished. As technology advances, the ability to do this will grow.
- Artificial intelligence. AI can help predict potential supply chain problems early on, so steps can be taken to mitigate those issues. Using analytics and other tools, this can help make problems easier to manage.
- Robots. Fully autonomous robotics can improve efficiencies and reduce errors on the manufacturing line. Thus, it helps optimize the supplies already there and reduce the need for more components which might get stranded in the supply chain.
By creating predictive capabilities and analytics, manufacturers can spot problems early to develop solutions. This all goes back to the idea of starting early, analyzing the entire manufacturing process and making predictions where problems might arise. Another thing companies can do is move more processes from manual to automated systems. Procurement and invoicing, for example, are two areas where this can be done.
Finally, it’s time to look at everything! Are there new partnerships to consider? How about trying out new assembly teams or shipping methods? Are there newer, better, ways to collaborate that will help mitigate the supply chain? Analyze it all and make changes.