Vous êtes aux prises avec des stocks excédentaires dans votre clinique vétérinaire. Comment pouvez-vous prévenir les pertes financières ?

Inventory auditing is a major function of ensuring enough stock to meet required demand and that funds are tied down to meet necessary exigencies. In clinics, various consumption patterns may impact the stocking of items in the pharmacy. Also, considering the perishable nature of the items will affect the inventory or stocking level. There is, therefore, a consistent need for data analysis to aid informed decisions on the stock level and costing. The inventory audit in the pharmacy is usually a continuous audit that allows for an 'on-the-go decision-making' to avoid wastage.

An example I have experienced, is not having an inventory management system which automatically puts your inventory supply at a disadvantage.Not having the ability to track orders,nor assign a barcode to receive them into said inventory is an automatic failure. I have seen inventory scattered all over a facility and because it wasn't organized in a certain area, it appears that item wasn't available when actually several cases were on-site.This problem creates over ordering, and contaminates that department's budget. Inventory control is so vitally important, as it effects the financial stability of one's department, which has a fiscal goal of staying under budget in order to suppprt S-Bar requests for FTE's, and Capital Projects.

There will be a need for a 'retainers' arrangement to maximize waste and ensure funds are not tied down. Retainership among other things helps in controlling or preventing overstocking of items. There are need for a contract/agreement that will save up funds for the hospital rather than just buying aimlessly. Contracts with retainers will allow for frequent, immediate, and small buying to meet demand. Even though return policies in the hospital industry are usually difficult to find, there is a need to always consider transactions with suppliers or manufacturers that has such policies in place and it helps in managing inventories.

When considering the use of software, think of those that take cognizance of the expiry date in measurement. it should not just measure the inventory level, but also the product expiry date as a key consideration in the type of software. Inventory software helps reduce human interface and minimize errors arising from oversight and forgetfulness.

All the above is incomplete if staff are not adequately trained and retrained to manage the inventory level. With training, staff are made to understand the importance of inventory control and the various mechanisms for controlling inventory, ensuring they take responsibility for minimizing waste in the hospital. By this, they take an active part in managing the stock level and understanding when to re-order.

Demand forecasting stems from understanding the period. This only happens when you are in control. Understand the needs of your customers and forecast along that line of need. But always remember that change is the only constant thing.

Work with a good supplier such as Henry Schein and institute just in time (JIT) inventory. It’s how a Toyota consultant saved Porsche a few decades ago.