Centralized versus Decentralized Inventory
Supporting Centralized System
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Better inventory control
Standardization of supplies across sites
Scales of economy in bulk purchasing
Less staffing
o lack of duplication in staff at each site
o allows for more specialized training of staff to better handle system
Able investigate and manage shortages more efficiently
Able to share resources as needs change over time
Higher inventory level and associated cost
Requires warehouse space
Supporting Decentralized System
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Better able to meet site specific needs and events
Local forecasting more accurate
Shipping cost borne by supplier, not VIHA
More time responsive to local site needs
Less affected by communication disconnects
More duplication in holding rare or expensive supplies – may be delays if not held in stock
Automated versus Manual wardstock
Manual Ward Stock
Advantages:
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Less equipment training required – better for casual nurses
More simplified - automated systems can break/fail
Disadvantages:
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More labor intensive
Less tracking of expiry dates – checked every 2 months
Wards hold more stock – can lead to wastage
Automated Ward Stock
Advantages:
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Automatically updates ease of communication
Better supports perpetual inventory
Less prone to error if using barcode technology
Disadvantages:
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More stock and product training required
Data management – garbage in = garbage out
Automated system expensive to procure and maintain