Development of supply chain value stream map for government-supported drug distribution system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Dixit ◽  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Sunil Kumar Dubey

PurposeThe requirement of high-quality government-supported healthcare services has necessitated the significance of recognizing new management practices to enhance patient satisfaction. Hence, the purpose of this study is to address the patient's enhanced custom needs through the implementation of supply chain value stream mapping (SCVSM) in government-supported drug distribution system (DDS) for enhanced patient's satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study elucidates the role of one popular emerging management technique (i.e. SCVSM) in the healthcare sector by an investigative case study. The DDS in Rajasthan (India) was selected for this study. The data for this analysis were gathered in three ways (i.e. direct observation, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews).FindingsThe outcome of this current study reveals that it is possible to apply the tool (SCVSM) to investigate the wastes in DDS to deliver the medicines at right time, right quantity and right quality. The application of SCVSM concluded that the various Kaizens (areas needed to improve) in lead time; transportation and routing should be adopted. The study further implemented kaizen on the current SCVSM and developed future SCVSM.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough various stages and functions exist in the healthcare supply chain, the current study is focused on the distribution system of drugs. The proposed approach provides a platform for both researchers and academicians to understand the existing DDS and to implement the SCVSM approach in the healthcare environment. The results show that the proposed SCVSM model is able to identify some operational bottlenecks and wastes which interfere in DDS.Originality/valueIt was observed that limited literature related to lean implementation on DDS and implementation of SCVSM on the healthcare environment in general and government-supported or public in specific are available. The current study on the application of SCVSM in DDS is unique in nature and will definitely add value to the existing literature of the application of value stream mapping (VSM) on the healthcare supply chain management field.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abideen ◽  
Fazeeda Binti Mohamad

Purpose Lean implementation is vastly incorporated in core manufacturing processes; however, its applicability in the supply chain and service industry is still in its infancy. To acquire performance excellence and thrive in the global competitive market, many firms are adopting newer methodologies. But, there is a stringent need for production simulation systems to analyze supply chains both inbound and outbound. The era of face validation is slowly disappearing. Lean tools and procedures that provide future state assumptions need advanced tools and techniques to measure, quantify, analyze and validate them. The purpose of this study is to enable dynamic quantification and visualization of the future state of a warehouse supply chain value stream map using discrete event simulation (DES) technique. Design/methodology/approach This study aimed to apply an integrated approach of the value stream mapping (VSM) and DES in a Malaysian pharmaceutical production warehouse. The main focus is diverted towards reducing the warehouse supply chain lead time by initially constructing a supply chain value stream map (both present state and future state) and integrating its data in a DES modelling and simulation software to dynamically visualize the changes in future state value stream map. Findings The DES simulation was able to mimic the future state lead time reductions successfully, which assists in better decision-making. Improvements were seen related to total lead time, process time, value and non-value-added percentage. Warehouse performance metrics such as receiving, put away and storage rates were substantially improved along with pallet processing time, worker and forklift throughput usage percentage. Detailed findings are clearly stated at the end of this paper. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the warehouse environment and further additional process models and functional upgrades in the DES software systems are very much needed to directly visualize and quantify all the possible Lean assumptions such as radio frequency image identification/Andon (Jidoka), 5S, Kanban, Just-In-Time and Heijunka. However, DES has a leading edge in extracting dynamic characteristics out of a static VSM timeline and capture details on discrete events precisely by picturizing facility modification and lead time related to it. Practical implications This paper includes all the fundamental pharmaceutical warehouse supply chain processes and the simulations of the future state VSM in a real-life context by successfully reducing supply chain lead time and allowing managers in inculcating near-optimal decision-making, controlling and coordinating warehouse supply chain activities as a whole. Social implications This integrated approach of DES and VSM can involve managers and top management to support the adoption of anticipated changes. This study also has the potential to engage practitioners, researchers and decision-makers in the warehouse industry. Originality/value This study involves a powerful DES software package that can mimic the real situation as a virtual simulation and all the data and model building are based on a real warehouse scenario in the pharmaceutical industry.


2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Seth ◽  
Nitin Seth ◽  
Deepak Goel

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and address various wastes in the supply chain of the edible cottonseed oil industry (specifically the processing side) using a value stream mapping (VSM) approach to improve productivity and capacity utilization in an Indian context.Design/methodology/approachCritical observations and interviewing techniques were used with open‐ended questions to understand the processes involved in the value chain of the cottonseed oil industry. Different chain links/members were investigated through personal visits and discussions. VSM is applied as an approach to the industry to identify and remove non‐value‐adding (NVA) activities.FindingsMajor findings obtained from the study are as follows. There is an excess cumulative inventory of 244 days in the whole supply chain. The industry is highly fragmented with a large number of small players present, which hampers the use of economies of scale. There are NVA activities present in the supply chain such as the moving of cottonseed oil from expeller mill to refinery. The industry still uses outdated technology which hampers the productivity.Practical implicationsAttention needs to be given to boosting the productivity of the oil sector. Waste removal from the oilseed‐processing sector is one key to improving the productivity of the sector.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the various wastes in the processing side of the supply chain of the Indian cottonseed oil industry, using VSM as an approach which was hardly ever attempted before. Wastes are then individually attacked to reduce or eliminate them from the system. Suggestions to make the whole chain more productive can be generalized and can be replicated in the context of other developing countries.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel F. Suarez-Barraza ◽  
José-Á Miguel-Davila ◽  
C. Fabiola Vasquez-García

Purpose – The issue of the supply chain has been given much attention in recent decades, both in the academic arena as well as in the business world. It has become so important that organizations have begun to directly manage the supply chain, appointing specific managers to perform this function. New challenges now include a focus on supply to determine the right time and place for product delivery. Some authors indicate a close relationship between Total Quality Management and the supply chain regarding its philosophical and operational goals and perspectives. Lee (2004) goes even further by indicating that only organizations that devise agile, adaptable and aligned supply chains will be able to continue competing in today’s environment. Therefore, observing and measuring the supply chain at all times is critical for today’s organizations. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a tool called Supply Chain Value Stream Mapping (SCVSM) in order to thoroughly understand competitive priorities of volume and delivery (On-time Delivery (OTD)) for any supply chain in organizations. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory case study was conducted. Two manufacturing company which have been established in Mexico with a robust supply chain for at least 20 years, were selected. The paper chronicles the implementation of SCVSM in both case studies. Three methods were used to gather data: direct observation; documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. Findings – This paper proposes a new tool for operation management called SCVSM. Its development, refinement and applied in both case studies. The evidence shows that it is possible to apply the tool (SCVSM) to visualize the variables volume and OTD in supply chains. In consequence, this research has made a small empirical contribution to the theoretical field of supply chain quality management. Research limitations/implications – This paper has the same limitations as all other case-study-based research, including analysis subjectivity and questionable generalization of findings. There may well also be a theoretical gap in the geographic region because the paper only analyzes two companies established in Mexico. Practical implications – Derived to describe both case studies on how to apply the SCVSM tool it may prove to be of value to practitioners and managers involved in the field. Similarly, a section on managerial implications has also been included. Originality/value – The study contributes to the limited existing literature on the Supply Chain Quality Management and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support toward increasing the development companies in an attempt to move the Mexico manufacturing sector toward world class manufacturing performance.


Author(s):  
Ahmed Zainul Abideen ◽  
Fazeeda Binti Mohamad

Purpose The purpose of this study is to apply value stream mapping (VSM) in Malaysian pharmaceutical production warehouse. A current and future state value stream map from the raw material receiving end to the production unit was developed to find out waste and unwanted lead time. It was very much essential to cut down the supply chain lead time at the initial phase as the raw material unloading, sorting, temporary storage and dispatch to production were seen contributing to a huge lead time build-up. Design/methodology/approach The study was initiated with the selection of a product family, construction of the current state map, identification of various wastes and the development of future state map. Findings The expected outcomes of the study include the quantification of wastes, improvement in value-added percentage and lead time reduction. Research limitations/implications The study was carried out in a single pharmaceutical company. The results of the study are deployable and can be functional in similar production organizations. Contrary to common VSMs that capture core production processes, this study provides strong insights that shall help design lean supply chains, especially in the pharmaceutical domain. This paper has also addressed the viability of the lean in the pharmaceutical warehouse and the reduction in lead time to improve demand forecasting, marketing and sales. Practical implications The results of this study have indicated that a significant reduction in pharmaceutical warehouse supply chain lead time is possible as a result of the implementation of VSM from the supply chain’s perspective. Social implications The insights from this study help in understanding the pharmaceutical supply chain risks and their outcomes. Originality/value The paper reports a real-time study conducted in a warehouse of a pharmaceutical organization. Hence, the contributions are original.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Bhakoo ◽  
Prakash Singh ◽  
Amrik Sohal

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the nature of collaborative arrangements that partners in Australian hospital supply chains use to manage inventories.Design/methodology/approachA case study involving a supply chain network of ten healthcare organisations (three pharmaceutical manufacturers, two wholesalers/distributors and five public hospitals) was studied. Data included 40 semi‐structured interviews, site visits and examination of documents.FindingsThis study highlights the existence of a variety of collaborative arrangements amongst supply chain partners such as the “Ward Box” system (a variant of the vender managed inventory system) between wholesalers/distributors and hospitals. The materials management departments were more willing than their pharmacy counterparts to participate in a variety of partial and complete outsourcing arrangements with wholesalers/distributors and other hospitals. Several contingent factors were identified that influenced development of collaborative arrangements.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the Australian healthcare sector. To improve generalisability, this study could be replicated in other industry sectors and countries.Practical implicationsApplication of collaborative arrangements between manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors would improve inventory management practices across the supply chains. Also, learning from materials management departments could be transferable to pharmacy departments.Originality/valueSeveral contingent variables for the implementation of collaborative inventory management arrangements between healthcare supply chain partners have been identified. Methodologically, data across three echelons in the supply chains (manufacturers, wholesalers/distributors and hospitals) were collected and analysed.


Author(s):  
Juan A. Marin-Garcia ◽  
Pilar I. Vidal-Carreras ◽  
Julio J. Garcia-Sabater

Lean healthcare aims to manage and improve the processes in the healthcare sector by eliminating everything that adds no value by improving quality of services, ensuring patient safety and facilitating health professionals’ work to achieve a flexible and reliable organization. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is considered the starting point of any lean implementation. Some papers report applications of VSM in healthcare services, but there has been less attention paid to their contribution on sustainability indicators. The purpose of this work is to analyze the role of VSM in this context. To do so, a scoping review of works from recent years (2015 to 2019) was done. The results show that most applications of VSM reported are in the tertiary level of care, and the United States of America (USA) is the country which leads most of the applications published. In relation with the development of VSM, a heterogeneity in the maps and the sustainability indicators is remarkable. Moreover, only operational and social sustainability indicators are commonly included. We can conclude that more standardization is required in the development of the VSM in the healthcare sector, also including the environmental indicators.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjana Mondal ◽  
Kaushik Samaddar

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the various dimensions of human factor relevant for integrating data-driven supply chain quality management practices (DDSCQMPs) with organizational performance. Keeping the transition phase from “Industry 4.0” to “Industry 5.0” in mind, the paper reinforces the role of the human factor and critically discusses the issues and challenges in the present organizational setup.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the grounded theory approach, the study arranged in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with industry experts from various service-oriented firms in India. Dimensions of human factor identified from there were grouped together through a morphological analysis (MA), and interlinkages between them were explored through a cross-consistency matrix.FindingsThis research work identified 20 critical dimensions of human factor and have grouped them under five important categories, namely, cohesive force, motivating force, regulating force, supporting force and functional force that drive quality performance in the supply chain domain.Originality/valueIn line with the requirements of the present “Industry 4.0” and the forthcoming “Industry 5.0”, where the need to collaborate human factor with smart system gets priority, the paper made a novel attempt in presenting the critical human factors and categorizing them under important driving forces. The research also contributed in linking DDSCQMPs with organizational performance. The proposed framework can guide the future researchers in expanding the theoretical constructs through initiating further cross-cultural studies across industries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (9) ◽  
pp. 1749-1765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingu Kang ◽  
Ma Ga (Mark) Yang ◽  
Youngwon Park ◽  
Baofeng Huo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of supply chain integration (SCI) in improving sustainability management practices (SMPs) and performance. Design/methodology/approach Based on data collected from 931 manufacturing firms in multiple countries and regions, the authors conducted a structural equation modeling analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The findings suggest that supplier and customer integration are vital enablers for both intra- and inter-organizational SMPs. The results also reveal that both intra- and inter-organizational SMPs are significantly and positively associated with sustainability performance (i.e. economic, environmental and social performance) and function as complements to jointly enhance environmental and social performance. Originality/value This study incorporates SCI into the sustainability literature, providing a new perspective on sustainability and supply chain management research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ik-Whan Kwon ◽  
Sung-Ho Kim

Purpose This paper aims to explore avenue where suppliers and manufacturers are aligned with health-care providers to improve supply chain visibility. Supply chain finance is explored to link suppliers/manufacturers with health-care providers. Design/methodology/approach Existing literature on supply chain visibility in health care forms a basis to achieve the study purpose. Alignment calls also for financial health where supply chain partners’ working capital is readily available to execute joint supply chain plan. Findings There is a disjoint in supply chain alliance between suppliers/manufacturers and providers where providers are unable to trace the origin of supplies. Quality care suffers and cost of care rises as providers search for supplies on an emergency basis. This paper provides a framework where solution can be formulated. Research limitations/implications Suppliers/manufactures form a direct strategic alliance with providers where product visibility enables health-care providers with a better patient management with lower cost of supplies. Inventory management and logistics cost will be lowered as better planning/forecasting is in place. This paper does not call for testing any hypothesis. Perhaps, next move along this line will be to investigate financial health of supply chain partners based on supplier relationship management practices. Originality/value This paper proposes health-care supply chain as an alternative solution to achieve the following twin purposes: controlling the cost while improving quality of care through supply chain finance. As far as we know, this study is the first attempt to achieve the goals.


Author(s):  
Antonina Tsvetkova ◽  
Britta Gammelgaard

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how supply chain strategies emerge and evolve in response to contextual influence.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative single-case study presents the journey of a supply chain strategy, conceptualised as the idea of transport independence in the Russian Arctic context. Data from 18 semi-structured interviews, personal observations and archival materials are interpreted through the institutional concepts of translation and editing effects.FindingsThe study reveals how supply chain strategies evolve over time and can affect institutional factors. The case study further reveals how contextual conditions make a company reconsider its core competencies as well as the role of supply chain management practices. The findings show that strategy implementation through purposeful actions can represent a powerful resistance to contextual pressures and constraints, as well as being a facilitator of change in actual supply chains and their context. During the translation of the idea of transport independence into actions, the supply chain strategy transformed itself into a form of strategic collaboration and thereby made supply chains in the Russian Arctic more integrated than before.Research limitations/implicationsMore empirical studies on strategy implementation in interaction with contextual and institutional factors are suggested. An institutional process perspective is applied in this study but the authors suggest that future research should include a human dimension by an exploration of day-to-day routines and challenges that employees face when strategising and the actions they take.Originality/valueThe study provides an understanding of how a new supply chain strategy emerges and how it changes during implementation. In this process-oriented study – merging context, process and strategy content – it is further shown that a supply chain strategy may affect the context by responding to contextual and institutional challenges.


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