The range of supplies any healthcare system needs for patient care is diverse and complex. And the types of disruptions that could keep a facility from having those supplies on hand is daunting. Even though we’ re four years removed from a global pandemic, supply chain leaders continue to face threats posed by natural disasters, manufacturing delays, cyberattacks and more.

If a healthcare system doesn’ t have the supplies it needs, costs can increase, medical procedures can be delayed, and patient safety can be compromised.

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CSCs— a key to resiliency It’ s no wonder that resiliency remains the number one reason large healthcare systems are turning more and more to supplier partners like Medline for comprehensive inventory management and distribution solutions— in particular, consolidated service centers( CSCs).

A CSC streamlines a healthcare system’ s supply chain operations— procurement, inventory management, distribution, and logistics— into dedicated warehouse space where supplies are

managed by people skilled in these respective areas. Here is how this all breaks down:

1. Space procurement Hospital supply vendors work with real estate and construction professionals to locate

either existing warehouse space or land that precisely meets the needs of a healthcare system.

2. Design and installation Supply chain experts design a CSC that is customized to a

healthcare system’ s workflow, with certified project managers involved to ensure a smooth, cost-effective build. Preferred pricing helps bring down costs for racking, material handling equipment( MHE) and other warehouse materials.