How Hospitals Are Taking Control of Supply Chain Uncertainty

Strengthening Healthcare Supply Chains Amid Constant Disruption

Supply chain disruptions have shifted from occasional challenges to a persistent reality. COVID-19 exposed glaring vulnerabilities, and recent events like hurricanes and labor strikes have underscored that shortages are here to stay. For healthcare, these disruptions aren't just inconvenient—they're life-threatening. Effective planning, preparation, and proactive strategies are crucial. A 2024 Premier study revealed that 67% of healthcare providers spend over 10 hours a week managing supply chain disruptions, and nearly 40% had to cancel or reschedule procedures at least quarterly due to product shortages.

The healthcare sector needs reliable solutions for resilient, responsive supply chains. SxanPro delivers this with data that empowers hospitals to see, anticipate, and act swiftly during disruptions. More than just technology, SxanPro partners with hospitals to help them navigate challenges smoothly, minimizing disruptions and ensuring quicker recovery.

‍

Supply Chain Crisis: The New Normal

The ongoing IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene’s damage to Baxter International’s North Cove facility is a stark reminder of how fragile our supply chains are. The American Hospital Association, representing over 5,000 hospitals and health systems, has urged President Biden to declare a nationwide emergency over the limited supply of IV fluids, as hospitals struggle to maintain necessary supplies, forcing healthcare workers to scramble for alternatives.

The CDC advises hospitals to audit their IV supply inventory, including expiration dates, to assess how disruptions will impact their facilities. Vizient recommends evaluating supplies across entire systems to redeploy resources to where they are needed most. Yet, without reliable data, many hospitals are left in the dark—unable to respond quickly enough to mitigate severe impacts. According to an October 9 survey from Premier, 78% of providers report that they will be forced to consider canceling procedures in the next month if the situation does not improve.

‍

SxanPro: Moving From Visibility to Action

Visibility alone is not enough—hospitals need the insights to act. SxanPro delivers clear, data-driven insights into inventory, whether at the department, facility, or system-wide level. Essential details like expiration dates and lot numbers are easily accessible—data often missing in other systems.

During the IV fluid shortage, hospitals using SxanPro quickly assessed supply levels, identified where supplies were located, and were able to redeploy resources to areas with the greatest need. With up-to-date insights, SxanPro hospitals acted quickly, securing alternative suppliers before others and mitigating the chaos many are still facing. 

SxanPro doesn’t just provide visibility; it translates data into actionable steps. During shortages or crises, hospital leaders can proactively shift supplies within or between facilities, responding swiftly and effectively. In critical situations, SxanPro can even connect hospitals nationwide, enabling collaboration to ensure operational continuity.

This proactive approach is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As supply chain disruptions become more frequent, the ability to seamlessly transition from insight to action is essential to ensure uninterrupted patient care.

‍

Building a Resilient Future

SxanPro is not a crisis management tool; it’s a long-term solution for building resilient, adaptable supply chains. With SxanPro, hospitals are no longer just reacting to problems—they're ahead of them. By continuously monitoring inventory, reducing waste, and optimizing usage, healthcare providers can stay ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

In an era of relentless supply disruptions, SxanPro stands as a dependable partner, empowering hospitals to stay ahead, ensuring patient care isn’t compromised by logistical failures. As healthcare faces unprecedented challenges, the question isn’t whether hospitals can afford to adopt data-driven solutions like SxanPro—it’s whether they can afford not to.