The Changing Shape of the Healthcare Logistics Industry

By -
In general, healthcare logistics supply chains are under-optimised when compared to the technological and retail industries for instance. One major factor pharmaceutical and healthcare industries must address is their products are often extremely delicate and require special treatment whilst in transit and storage. Ultimately most products will be destined for human consumption or intended for use on humans so ensuring that specialised products are handled correctly within transit and that it is in compliance with the latest Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Guidelines is a very important aspect. This means that the degree of trust required from the supplier has overshadowed any potential optimisation strategies as this could carry an increased element of risk to the supply chain and in turn, the end customer.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/directrelief/

The Issue

The dilemma that is currently running through the minds of many healthcare manufacturers and distributors alike is the scientific evidence stating that the number of people over the age of 60 is set to double in the coming years, creating a much larger demand for healthcare. World Health Organisation Director General Dr Margaret Chan said "Today, most people, even in the poorest countries, are living longer lives... But this is not enough. We need to ensure these extra years are healthy, meaningful and dignified. Achieving this will not just be good for older people, it will be good for society as a whole." 

Investment in the Industry

With all this in mind, the likes of UPS, FedEx and DHL have all realised a clear opportunity to invest heavily into a thriving business market that is set for massive growth. Based on the study suggesting that the average human lifespan is on the increase, these transportation and shipping giants have grasped their chance to drastically grow and develop their businesses into a market that is only set to increase further over the coming years. Their goal is to offer the healthcare industry a realistic opportunity to optimise the supply chain at a time when it is most certainly needed.  

FedEx recently acquired logistics services firm Genco which has more than 4 million square feet of storage space dedicated to healthcare. It has developed new technology called SenseAware that monitors shipments and tracks everything from temperature and light exposure to barometric pressure.  DHL's supply chain currently generates $3.7 billion from healthcare and life sciences and it also has a similar shipment monitoring system in place called SmartSensor. 

They have been working closely with drug-makers including Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson to develop their new system and gain a comprehensive insight into the new territory they have invested in.  Existing healthcare logistics companies are also aware that changes are on the horizon and are taking similar action to these newcomers. Many companies are now taking relevant steps and have initiated developments to optimise the supply chain whilst ensuring that there are no detrimental effects imposed along the way.

New Opportunities & the Future of Healthcare Logistics

This new opportunity will give medical and pharmaceutical companies the chance to seek out increased shared distribution space through these new partners. All these new developments within healthcare logistics, brought forwards by the likes of UPS have made these transportation companies highly attractive partners for suppliers to work alongside, whilst also offering the opportunity to reduce current logistics costs.

The future looks bright for healthcare logistics, with lots of exciting new developments within the industry and plenty of collaboration opportunities in place. All interested parties have taken on the challenge of optimising a supply chain that until recently has been stunted due to may external variables, but with the development of modern technologies and an ever-growing population the time for change is now. With so much set to change in the coming years it will be an interesting topic for discussion, but the changes already implemented would suggest that this industry is set for a revolution. Only time can tell if this new approach to the logistical issues surrounding healthcare will have a positive impact upon the industry.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Movie Moments with Hot Air Balloon Rides

By -
Image
Having recently booked my first hot air balloon ride I have started to notice just how many are featured in my favourite movies. In reflection, this is probably where I got the idea from! Subconsciously developing the romantic idea of soaring above the world. In the spirit of my new plight for air balloon flight (you like what I did there?), here are my top five hot air balloon movie moments: 1. The Ugly Truth Spoiler alert for anyone who has not seen this movie! For everyone else, I thought I would cover this one off early and quickly confess that I, man and ambassador of all that is masculine, did enjoy The Ugly Truth. Okay, so it is effectively a ‘rom com’ but this dude, played by the undeniably commanding Gerard Butler , is my hero. He is convincing as a ladies man who knows it all and calls women on all of their over analytical issues. The moment when they argue in the hot air balloon and he appears to have finally ‘tamed the shrew’ – a very pretty shrew played by the s
Read more

How To Throw the Ultimate Uni House Party

By -
Image
Prepare To Party What makes the ultimate Uni House party one to remember? To be honest, it’s probably the top class shenanigans that carry on into the wee small hours. The ones that make Uni life headlines, are talked about for weeks afterwards and then reminisced about years down the line when you might have forgotten the names, but never the faces. However, the best way to get you and your mates to let your hair down and forget the pile of essays waiting to be written, is to get properly prepared and put a bit of effort into creating a wicked atmosphere. Now, I may be teaching a grandmother to suck eggs here but let’s run through a few pre party essentials.  Love Thy Neighbour Tell the neighbours you are having the party and tell them well in advance. Sounds obvious I know, but the amount of parties I’ve been to  that have had neighbours coming round during the party screaming bloody murder are too many to mention. Be nice to them, take them a cake when you go round, b
Read more

Staycation: Embracing the Sun in the UK

By -
Image
With the awesome weather blessing the UK, it is most definitely calling for a staycation. Often less stressful and cheaper than going abroad, these locations are bursting at the seams with attractions for you to fill your time with! London Source: Bendavisual on Unsplash Why fly yourself to Venice, Italy this Summer, when you could visit Little Venice in London at a fraction of the price? Take a trip in a water taxi which resembles the traditional gondolas in the Italian city. Enjoy waterside cafes, pubs and restaurants during the summer months. Whilst enjoying the air of Italy around London, you can also enjoy the extravagant Georgian architecture and great outside spaces. If you are from out of the UK, you simply cannot leave without a taste of a British delicacy — pie and mash. This classic dish should be enjoyed in the East End for authenticity or in a higher end restaurant for a gastronomic rendition of the delicious dish! Manchester This City is home to some amazi
Read more