January always brings a sense of renewal, a natural moment to pause, reflect, and commit to what matters most both personally and professionally. Many of us set familiar New Year’s resolutions this time of year:

- Get more organized

- Communicate better

- Reduce stress

- Be more intentional with time

- Live healthier—physically, mentally, and emotionally

Interestingly, these personal resolutions mirror the same aspirations we often hear across our healthcare organizations, especially within Supply Chain. After all, Supply Chain touches every department, every patient encounter, and every member of the care team. When we get better, the entire organization feels it.

So, what if we took the spirit of New Year’s resolutions and applied it directly to how we collaborate with our Supply Chain partners? That’s where the Start / Stop / Continue exercise becomes a simple, powerful, and highly effective tool.

If your department or organization hasn’t yet held a Start / Stop / Continue session this year, consider scheduling one in the next few weeks. A 30-to-45-minute conversation can surface actionable insights that influence months of downstream performance.

Bring three simple questions:

1. What should we START doing—and why?

2. What should we STOP doing—and what is the impact?

3. What should we CONTINUE because it adds value?

START
What should we begin doing that would add value, reduce friction, or improve outcomes?

- Start monthly touchpoints between Supply Chain and department leaders

- Start proactive product reviews to identify expired or underused supplies

- Start conversations about standardization opportunities that reduce complexity and cost

- Start to use data more intentionally to guide product decisions

STOP
What should we stop doing because it drains time, adds confusion, or no longer serves our mission?

- Stop informal workarounds that create hidden variation

- Stop last-minute requests by replacing them with better forecasting

- Stop the use of non-approved vendors or products that bypass contracting processes

- Stop duplicate documentation or outdated manual tracking

CONTINUE
What’s working well that we need to preserve and reinforce?

- Strong collaboration between Supply Chain and clinical leadership

- Successful product trials that used objective evaluation criteria

- Effective PAR management processes

- Transparency around backorders and substitutions

- Reliable relationships with vendors who consistently perform

Healthcare continues to operate in a world defined by constant change—market pressures, labor shortages, product instability, shifting regulations, and ongoing unpredictability in global supply networks. A cooperative and intentional approach isn’t just helpful; it is essential.

Beginning the year with a Start / Stop / Continue exercise creates:

- Alignment between clinical, financial, and operational priorities

- Clarity about expectations and responsibilities

- Commitment to shared actions and measurable progress

- Connection between Supply Chain and the people we serve daily

New Year’s resolutions are about growth, not perfection. The same holds true in Supply Chain. Each January, we get the chance to reset, rethink, and re-engage in ways that support the clinicians, staff, and patients who rely on us.

By approaching the year with intention—and by partnering with the Supply Chain team in a structured Start / Stop / Continue exercise—we can transform good intentions into meaningful, sustainable improvements.

Here’s to a year of clarity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Let’s make 2026 our most effective year yet.

• Building Resilient Healthcare Supply Chains: Top Challenges and How MAHRMM Helps

  Healthcare supply chains are the lifeline of patient care. Yet, they face unprecedented challenges that demand strategic action. From global disruptions to rising costs and digital vulnerabilities, supply chain leaders must navigate a complex landscape. Below are the top three issues shaping the industry today—and how MAHRMM (Michigan Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management) provides a forum for collaboration and solutions.

  1. Fragility & Disruptions

  Global dependencies make healthcare supply chains vulnerable to shocks—natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and even minor equipment failures. These disruptions can halt critical supplies and delay care.

  Mitigation Strategies:

• Diversify Suppliers & Localize Sourcing: Reduce reliance on single-source or overseas suppliers by building regional networks and dual sourcing for critical items.
• Implement Risk Monitoring & Scenario Planning: Use predictive analytics and risk dashboards to identify vulnerabilities early and run 'what-if' simulations for disaster recovery.

   2. Rising Costs & Inflationary Pressures

• Non-labor expenses have surged, driven by inflation, tariffs, and supply volatility. These pressures strain already tight margins and force organizations to rethink procurement strategies.

  Mitigation Strategies:

•   Strategic Contracting & Group Purchasing: Negotiate long-term contracts with price caps and leverage GPOs for volume discounts and firm pricing.
• Standardization & Demand Management: Reduce SKU complexity by standardizing products across facilities and implement usage protocols to curb waste.

  3. Poor Visibility & Cybersecurity Risks

• Many healthcare systems still rely on siloed, manual processes, limiting real-time visibility and exposing organizations to cyber threats. Lack of interoperability hampers data-driven decisions and increases risk.

  Mitigation Strategies:

•   Invest in End-to-End Digital Platforms: Deploy integrated ERP and inventory management systems with real-time data visibility and AI-driven forecasting.
•  Strengthen Cybersecurity Frameworks: Adopt zero-trust architecture, multi-factor authentication, and regular penetration testing to safeguard systems.

  How MAHRMM Helps

• Membership in MAHRMM offers:
• Networking: Connect with peers facing similar challenges.
• Education: Access best practices, webinars, and conferences.
• Collaboration: Share strategies for resiliency, cost control, and digital transformation.

 Call to Action

   Ready to strengthen your supply chain and join a network of professionals driving change? Become a MAHRMM member today and be part    of the conversation that matters.

Gratitude for Our Supply Chain Heroes:The Backbone of Patient Care

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the power of gratitude—of pausing to appreciate those whose efforts make a difference every single day. In healthcare, gratitude often centers on physicians, nurses, and caregivers. But today, I want to shine a light on another group of heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes: our supply chain professionals.

Their work may not always be visible, but its impact is undeniable. Every stocked exam room, every ready operating suite, every urgent care center prepared for the unexpected begins with their dedication. They ensure that the right products, medications, and equipment are available—precisely when and where they are needed. In short, they make patient care possible.

Why Supply Chain Matters

Healthcare supply chains are complex. Thousands of products, multiple vendors, and strict compliance standards create a system where a single delay can ripple across patient care. Yet, day after day, supply chain professionals anticipate needs, manage disruptions, and innovate to keep care flowing.

This year, we have seen extraordinary examples of how supply chain excellence transforms patient care. Here are a few stories worth celebrating:

Success Story #1: Streamlining After Growth

A leading U.S. health system faced major challenges after multiple mergers expanded its footprint to dozens of hospitals and hundreds of clinics. Complexity threatened efficiency and patient service levels. Instead of accepting delays, the supply chain team partnered with experts to transform processes and operating models, achieving $80 million in projected savings while improving delivery speed and consistency. This was not just a financial win—it meant fewer surgical delays and better stocked urgent care centers, directly benefiting patients.

Success Story #2: Organization for Speed

At University of Chicago Medicine, supply chain leaders realized that disorganized supply rooms were slowing clinicians down. They implemented Lean 5S techniques and standardized storage systems across 150 nursing supply rooms. The result? Faster access to critical supplies, reduced waste, and improved patient safety—because every minute saved in locating supplies is a minute given back to patient care.

Success Story #3: Data-Driven Decisions

Hawaii Pacific Health tackled inefficiencies caused by siloed, inaccurate supply chain data. By implementing advanced analytics, they reduced variation in operating room supply use and improved cost control. This data-driven approach not only saved money but also enhanced collaboration between clinical and supply teams—ensuring the right products were available for every procedure.

Looking Ahead

Supply chain innovation continues to evolve. AI-driven forecasting, automation, and integrated clinical-supply strategies are reshaping how hospitals operate. Combined with the hands-on, human touch of the supply chain team, these advancements promise not only cost savings but also improved resilience—so that even in times of disruption, patient care remains uninterrupted.

A Message of Thanks

This Thanksgiving let us remember that gratitude is not just about words, it is about recognition. To every supply chain professional: thank you. Your work may be behind the scenes, but its impact is front and center in every patient’s life. You are the backbone of healthcare delivery, and we celebrate your commitment, creativity, and resilience.

In healthcare, supply chain professionals are often the unsung heroes—working behind the scenes to ensure that care delivery is seamless, safe, and sustainable. Their work spans far beyond inventory management; it touches every corner of the organization, from clinical outcomes to capital investments.  As I have said before:

“Our scope is everything from Band-Aids to buildings—participation in strategic prioritization for investments in new technology without losing track of maintaining infrastructure.”

The Expansive Scope of Healthcare Supply Chain

We manage and influence:

• Clinical Supplies: Ensuring frontline caregivers have what they need, when they need it.
• Capital Equipment & Infrastructure: Supporting decisions on major investments while maintaining existing assets.
• Technology & Innovation: Evaluating emerging solutions and aligning them with organizational strategy.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Promoting responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
•  Emergency Preparedness: Building resilient systems to respond to crises and disruptions.

MAHRMM’s Role in Empowering the Profession

MAHRMM’s mission is to foster excellence in the healthcare organizations of the State of Michigan with emphasis on educational activities directed toward continuous improvement in supply chain and the quality of care. We support professionals through:

•  Education & Certification: Programs like the CMRP credential validate expertise and promote continuous learning.
• Networking & Collaboration: MAHRMM connects professionals across the country to share insights and solve challenges together.
• Thought Leadership & Advocacy: It champions strategic supply chain practices that align with healthcare’s evolving goals.
• Tools & Resources: From benchmarking data to case studies, MAHRMM equips members with actionable intelligence.

Why This Work Matters

Every supply chain decision impacts patient care. Whether it’s securing life-saving equipment or streamlining operations to reduce waste, supply chain professionals are integral to healthcare’s mission.

Call to Action

If you're a healthcare supply chain professional—or aspire to be—MAHRMM is your community. Join today to gain access to invaluable resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of peers who understand the challenges and triumphs of this vital work.

Don’t miss MAHRMM’s biannual meetings and networking events, where members come together to share innovations, tackle industry challenges, and shape the future of healthcare supply chain. Your voice, your experience, and your leadership matter.

Closing Thoughts

Healthcare supply chain is not just about logistics—it’s about leadership. MAHRMM helps professionals rise to that challenge, offering the support, education, and community needed to thrive in a role that is as broad as it is vital.

Registration Link: https://mahrmm.wildapricot.org/event-6278794

MAHRMM Fall Conference October 23 and24, Sheraton Detroit Novi

Beyond the Algorithm: Human-Centered Improvements in Healthcare Supply Chain

In our last post, we explored how AI and emerging technologies are transforming healthcare supply chains—bringing predictive analytics, automation, and real-time visibility to the forefront. But innovation is not always digital. In fact, some of the most impactful improvements come from human-centered strategies that require no technology at all.

Whether you are working in a rural clinic, a large hospital system, or a faith-based healthcare organization, these non-tech approaches can drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve patient care.

1. Process Optimization Without the Cloud

Lean principles and standardized workflows can dramatically reduce delays and errors. Simple tools like Kanban boards, color-coded bins, and manual reorder cards can help teams visualize inventory and streamline replenishment—no software required.

2. Empowering the Workforce

Training staff in basic supply chain literacy fosters collaboration between clinical and procurement teams. Cross-training builds flexibility, while daily huddles and feedback loops give frontline workers a voice in solving supply challenges.

3. Strengthening Supplier Relationships

Technology cannot replace trust. Building strong relationships with suppliers, especially local or regional suppliers, can improve reliability and responsiveness. Consolidating the number of suppliers also simplifies procurement and enhances negotiating power.

4. Manual Inventory Management That Works

Regular physical audits (Cycle counts), par level reviews, and disciplined FIFO/LIFO practices help maintain inventory accuracy and reduce waste. These practices are especially critical for managing expiration-sensitive items like medications and surgical supplies.

5. Communication Is Still King

Clear roles, structured meetings, and interdepartmental coordination can resolve issues faster than any dashboard. When teams communicate well, they can anticipate needs, prevent shortages, and respond to disruptions more effectively.

6. Governance and Policy

Strong governance does not require a digital platform. Manual compliance checks, clearly defined responsibilities, and contingency planning can ensure accountability and resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions.

Conclusion: Balance Is the New Innovation

Technology is a powerful enabler—but it is not a silver bullet. By combining digital tools with human-centered strategies, healthcare organizations can build supply chains that are not only efficient, but also resilient, adaptable, and deeply rooted in operational excellence.

Registration Link: https://mahrmm.wildapricot.org/event-6278794

Automation & Robotics – Driving Excellence in Healthcare Supply Chains

In this issue, we explore how automation and robotics are revolutionizing supply chain operations in leading Michigan health systems. These technologies help teams reduce costs, improve accuracy, and ensure critical supplies are available when needed.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA uses software “bots” to automate repetitive tasks traditionally managed by humans. Key applications include:

• Procurement & Invoice Processing: Bots manage purchase orders, validate invoices, and execute payment workflows.
• Inventory Tracking: Automated alerts for low stock and usage monitoring.
• Compliance & Audits: Bots maintain audit trails and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Patient Onboarding: Automates data entry and verification for improved accuracy.

AI-Driven Automation

AI adds intelligence to automation, enabling smarter decision-making:

• Predictive Analytics: Forecasts demand using historical and real-time data.
• Supplier Optimization: Evaluates vendor reliability and delivery performance.
• Risk Management: Identifies potential disruptions and suggests mitigation strategies.

 Integrated Automation Platforms

These platforms combine RPA, AI, and real-time data for a seamless supply chain ecosystem:

• Real-Time Inventory Monitoring: Tracks supply from vendor to point-of-care.
• Automated Compliance Tracking: Keeps certifications and documentation up to date.
• End-to-End Visibility: Unifies procurement, inventory, and logistics data.

Real-World Examples

GHX Marketplace: Applies machine learning for spend compliance.

University of Michigan Health – Ann Arbor

In response to a national IV fluid shortage, U-M Health collaborated with the Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation and U-M Precision Health to develop a data-driven projection model. This AI-powered system:

• Forecasts short- and long-term supply shortages
• Calculates the resupply needs to maintain buffer stock Enables rapid, informed decision-making during crises.
• The model was built and deployed within 24 hours, showcasing the power of multidisciplinary collaboration and real-time data integration.

Trinity Health + UiPath: Automation in Action

Trinity Health is among the U.S. health systems using UiPath’s agentic automation to reduce administrative burden and improve operational efficiency. UiPath’s platform is used to automate:

• Claims operations
• Care management
• Revenue cycle management
• Supply chain workflows.

This includes automating tasks like claims audits, pending claims resolution, and appeals processing—resulting in faster turnaround times and reduced costs.

Conclusion

Automation and robotics will soon be essential for building resilient, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare supply chains. Stay tuned for more insights in our next issue!

Link to University of Michigan article:  U-M & Michigan Medicine collaboration addresses IV fluid shortage in less than 24 hours | University of Michigan Medical School

Link to Trinity Health article: Trinity Health and the potential of AI | IDN Directory