6 Tips To Streamline Medical Logistics Process
Many healthcare professionals across the globe depend on America for the supply of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. It is your responsibility as a medical device and pharmaceutical company to ensure that the product reaches your customers fastest way possible and in a safe state. You must streamline your company’s medical logistics process to stay on top of your operations and serve your customers better. Moreover, streamlined processes will improve efficiency in your company, reduce operation costs and increase your growth. Are you wondering how you can streamline your operations? Well, in this article, we will give you tips to streamline your medical logistics process.
Consider the Mode of Shipment and Product Destination
Before shipping your product, consider the cost, distance, time, and fragility. Shipping expensive and fragile devices and pharmaceuticals over ground or sea freight differ from shipping the same product by air. Well, sea and ground freight is cheaper than air freight, but the transit time is longer, and your shipment is likely to incur more damage. If you want to ship delicate products over a long distance, you may need to consider air freight shipment. Ground shipping is a great option if you are shipping very bulky items over a short distance, like locally or in a nearby country. But your shipment could be exposed to the dangers of the road like hijacking, potholes, and theft. Sea freight shipping is ideal for long-distance shipments like overseas where air transport is unaffordable or products are not required urgently. But ship containers are exposed to harsh elements. You need to consider extra care for delicate products. Shrink wrap your device for protection before placing them in a sturdy crate. Then, make sure you use plenty of packaging material to prevent them from getting damaged.
Package your Products Securely
According to World Health Organization Medical Device Regulations, one of the hazards that medical devices must survive is the packaging. Medical devices and pharmaceuticals are more often than not likely to incur damage unless the packaging is done robustly to withstand various stresses. Yes, perfect packaging and sealing is imperative to reduce damage and maintain the medical devices sterile. As a supplier, it would be best if you played your part to ensure proper packaging. Use stress-resistant packaging materials to safeguard the products against damage. Moreover, train your employees in the appropriate and secure packaging of medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Choose a Shipping Company with Experience in Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
Do not go for just any shipping company. Only a few have expertise in the shipment of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. An inexperienced company may treat your X-ray machine shipment the way they handle brick which could result in damage and massive loss. Shipment comes with a lot of complexities, and thus it would be best if you choose a carrier like professional customs brokerage services that will anticipate your needs. Evaluate the track record of your freight company to ensure that they have experience in medical logistics.
Have a Variety of Packaging Boxes
Medical devices and pharmaceuticals vary in size, shape, and weight. It would be best if you had a variety of packaging boxes to cater to the different sizes, shapes, and weights. Squeezing a delicate device in a small carton could damage it. Moreover, if you pack a small device in a big box, it will not be intact, and damage could occur during shipment. Also, you will pay extra shipping charges for the parcel. Ensure that you have cartons of different sizes to cater to the packaging of your different varieties of products.
Take Photographs or Videos of your Products Before Shipment
It would be best to capture the condition of your medical devices and pharmaceuticals before they are shipped. Ensure that you get clear images and capture the serial number of the dispatch, as well as any accessories accompanying the order. Also, capture the packaging of the products and the sealing. The photos and the video will act as evidence if your order gets damaged during shipment, and you need to file a claim.
Insure your Shipment
Medical devices and pharmaceuticals cost thousands of dollars. Shipping the medical devices and pharmaceuticals with no insurance is risky as damage could result in loss. Yes, you will have more confidence and peace of mind sending products overseas and across the country, if they are insured.
Final Word
A streamlined medical logistic process is crucial for a company that deals with medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Your medical logistics processes don’t have to be complex and time-consuming anymore. Use the tips we have covered above to make your logistic processes more manageable and more profitable.
