Determine logistics costs thanks to simulations
More efficient and automated processes: Increasing cost pressure is also challenging hospitals. They need to optimize their logistics. The question is - how. What are the benefits of smart systems such as Kanban or scales? Can costs be saved with a different ordering rhythm? Or is it even worthwhile to outsource some or all of the logistics? Answers are provided by a simulator. It not only maps the actual costs, but also simulates various scenarios quickly and free of charge.
Medical consumables must be available in the right quantity at all times in a hospital. Depending on the size and organization, this results in more or less complex flows of goods. So it needs efficient logistics and one that takes cost pressure into account. In order to find out where they can optimize processes and where savings can be made, hospitals first need to know the actual state of their logistics costs. Very few hospitals have recorded the costs in detail. For example, the time and effort required by nursing staff to order individual items is neither recorded nor clearly assigned to a cost center.
Savings compared to the actual state
The Institute for Modelling and Simulation at the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland (OST) has developed a simulator that maps logistics costs in detail. In addition, thanks to the simulator, various possible optimisation scenarios can be simulated and the corresponding flows of goods mapped. The simulations show, for example, how costs change when orders are recorded using scanners, scales or a kanban system. Or how stock levels and storage costs change with a different ordering rhythm. The simulator can even run through outsourcing. For example, the consequences for costs if the central warehouse is abolished and the supplier delivers the consumables directly to the wards.
Simulate individual desired scenarios
With the simulations, the hospitals can see where savings can be made compared to the actual situation. The advantage: different simulation loops are possible. Any desired scenario can be run through quickly, without risk and without costs.
From the practice
So far, four hospitals have taken advantage of the opportunity to have their logistics processes simulated. For Patrick Müller of Winterthur Cantonal Hospital, the effort has been worthwhile. "The simulation has clearly shown that we can generate added value at Winterthur Cantonal Hospital (KSW) by restructuring the management of central storage goods." For example, cost savings could be achieved by relocating storage levels. And the new logistics concept developed by Winterthur Cantonal Hospital could be tested and confirmed with the simulation. "In addition, we were able to check and optimise the stock levels at the individual departmental warehouses. This also contributed to cost optimisation," says Patrick Müller. In the meantime, the Winterthur Cantonal Hospital has gone one step further: "We are in the process of outsourcing the central warehouse. According to initial findings, this is also bringing us benefits."
