The Great Supply Chain Podcast

Parkview Health is an award-winning Indiana-based non-for-profit community-based health system. In this episode of the podcast, we look at Parkview’s recent groundbreaking project, which showcased how complete transparency and efficiency in medical, surgical and pharmaceutical supply purchases and inventory is possible with the right technology and collaboration. Meet the key players behind this groundbreaking success: Donna Van Vlerah, senior vice president of the Support Division; Chris Jellison, vice president of Pharmacy; Jesse Stanton, vice president of Supply Chain; and Aaron Lane, director of Support Division Operations and Systems. Discover how Parkview’s commitment to transparency, data-driven decision-making and fostering a common language between the traditionally-siloed pharmacy and supply chain teams led to remarkable efficiency gains and growth. In this episode, you will learn about real-world strategies and success stories that prioritize both cost containment and quality patient care. Find out how Parkview's collaborative approach, supported by technology and actionable data, has revolutionized healthcare supply chains, making them more efficient, cost-effective and patient-centric.

In this episode of the podcast, we feature an engaging conversation with Manish Govil, global supply chain segment leader at AWS. Together, we examine the current state of data utilization in supply chains, the tools provided by cloud technology and how they can be leveraged for competitive advantage.   The discussion provides valuable insights into the role of data in shaping the future of supply chains. We examine practical steps for leveraging cloud technology to optimize decision-making, customer experiences and operational efficiency. With real-world examples from the automotive industry and visionary strategies for waste reduction, we explore how cloud technology is transforming supply chain processes globally.  With an eye on continuous improvement, Dr. Govil outlines a comprehensive three-phase approach to unlocking the potential of cloud technology. From setting priorities to executing scalable transformations, listeners gain a clear roadmap for integrating cloud capabilities effectively.

We welcome Susan Pfeifer and Seth Adkins from Sanford Health to the podcast, who join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion on healthcare strategy and process improvement. Together we explore their project aimed at transforming perioperative service delivery and improving patient care across their service area.  With a focus on sterile processing, they discuss the importance of preference cards and how inaccuracies can lead to significant waste and potential risks to patient safety. Learn how this dynamic team employed Lean principles and data-driven strategies to streamline processes, reduce inventory and minimize labor hours, resulting in notable financial and clinical impacts.   In this episode, you will discover the crucial role of engaging project champions and integrating technology to create a highly reliable system while keeping patient well-being at the forefront. You will gain valuable insights from Sanford’s journey while exploring process improvement initiatives that positively impact the healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Cory Turner and special guest Matt Stewart, CEO and managing partner at RiseNow, discuss the challenges faced in healthcare supply chains and talk about the importance of reducing costs while improving efficiency. Matt also examines the emerging trend of healthcare organizations adopting technology solutions, like automation, to address labor shortages and turnover rates. Healthcare supply chain leaders are increasingly considering specialized solutions for warehouse management, distribution management and demand planning to overcome cost and labor issues. By adopting best practices from industries like distribution and retail – such as zone picking and real-time inventory management to enhance warehouse efficiency – organizations are realizing improved cost management and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients. This discussion underscores the significance of warehouse optimization in healthcare. Cory and Matt highlight the potential benefits of automation and technology solutions in improving productivity and reducing errors. By implementing specialized systems and adopting best practices, healthcare organizations can optimize their warehouses, overcome challenges and provide better patient care.

In this discussion about warehouse automation, Maryah Merchant is joined by special guest, Nick Lovatsis, managing partner at supply chain consultancy Avalon CSC, to shed light on the fascinating world of warehouse automation and technology. With his expertise and experience in leading supply chain strategies, Nick provides valuable insights into the transformative power of automation in optimizing warehouse operations. As supply chains navigate ever-changing industry disruptions, the quest for competitiveness and efficient warehouse management becomes increasingly critical. The game-changing potential of warehouse automation for distributors and 3PLs is maturing quickly. Nick explores the benefits it brings, the challenges faced during implementation, and how to calculate return on investment (ROI) post-automation. In this episode, Maryah and Nick engage in an enlightening conversation about the intersection of warehouse automation and technology. They discuss the clear correlation between automation and warehouse optimization, the barriers organizations may encounter when adopting automation, and the significant benefits that can be achieved by leveraging this advanced technology.