Digital Transformation Program in Hospital Supply Chain Management

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Authors: Yane Caroline Pinheiro dos Santos Brunacio
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality patient care while managing rising costs, demand variability, and persistent supply chain disruptions. Hospital supply chains account for approximately 30–40% of total operational expenses, making inefficiencies in procurement, inventory management, and demand forecasting a critical challenge to both financial sustainability and clinical performance. This article proposes a Digital Transformation Program in Hospital Supply Chain Management designed for a mid-sized general hospital, aiming to improve operational efficiency, cost control, and the availability of critical medical supplies. The program integrates artificial intelligence–driven demand forecasting, automation technologies, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and electronic health record (EHR) integration, as well as vendormanaged inventory (VMI) models supported by service level agreements (SLAs). A phased implementation framework is presented, including diagnostic assessment, pilot deployment, full-scale rollout, and continuous performance monitoring through key performance indicators (KPIs). Anticipated outcomes include reduced inventory holding costs, fewer emergency requisitions, minimized supply waste, enhanced regulatory compliance, and improved staff and patient satisfaction. By repositioning supply chain management as a strategic component of hospital governance, this program demonstrates how digital transformation can strengthen operational resilience, support clinical excellence, and promote long-term institutional sustainability.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management Quality and Safety in Healthcare Healthcare Operations and Scheduling Optimization

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN