February 16, 2023 – Many people – especially leaders outside the supply chain department – think of a stockpile as a static, set-aside store of supplies that can only be used in a crisis. But this thinking can lead to a vicious cycle of decision-making. The stockpile sits untouched and unused, waiting for the next crisis, while product expires and becomes discarded, and the stockpile shrinks. The organization’s leadership begins to question the value of keeping the stockpile replenished, leaving the organization underprepared for the next crisis.
In contrast to a static stockpile, a living stockpile is in continuous motion. Stockpile managers actively identify the most critical products and set up procedures to ensure that these products are regularly replenished. They closely monitor inventory levels to keep them ahead of usage trends as the incidence of pandemic cases rises and falls. Managers of a living stockpile determine the best location for storage of additional inventory, whether it be on-site or off-site.
Two new tools can aid supply chain professionals in managing stockpiles.
- HIDA’s new Pandemic Stockpile Guide provides a starting point for thinking about what to include and how to manage the reserves.
- The Disaster Available Supplies in Hospitals (DASH) Tool, from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (ASPR TRACIE), helps providers estimate the reserve levels needed. HIDA was proud to collaborate with ASPR TRACIE on the development of this tool.
Read more in the latest issue of The Journal of Healthcare Contracting.