Value in Solving the Vendor Tray Problem

Imagine a scenario in which vendor instrument trays could be managed using data-driven lean methodology, within an already established infrastructure for sterile processing logistics.

With data collected intraoperatively at the instrument level, better-informed decisions can be made regarding the configuration and combination of trays needed for cases in which vendor devices are used. A baseline standardized, procedure-based configuration can be derived from OpFlow analytics, which can be used across all surgeons and facilities in a region. The instrumentation for a given case can then be customized as needed based on surgeon, procedure, and patient-specific requirements.

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By leveraging a regional off-site instrument reprocessing center, vendor instrument trays can reside in a central storage facility (relieving the space requirement burden on the hospital for that inventory). The vendor representative no longer bears the responsibility of locating, configuring, and transporting the instrument trays. Moreover, since the trays have been better defined with actual usage data, there is a shorter OR set-up time and improved turnover time between cases.

The vendor also derives significant value in reducing lost instrumentation and decreasing the need to hold excess inventory. Additionally, the actual usage data collected in the OR helps drive R&D processes in a better informed, data-driven approach. It’s a win-win scenario for the hospital and vendor.