Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “count and order medical and office supplies”

Here is the best way to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

45 min
typically, once a week
50%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 1

Process fix

Set par levels and labelled bins so supplies are always where expected

Fixed par levels, labelled locations and a two-bin or scan-to-reorder system mean supplies get refilled before they run out, and nobody has to hunt.

Typically saves about 35% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1List the items people hunt for most.
  2. 2Set a par level and a fixed labelled spot for each.
  3. 3Use two bins or scan the label when the first bin empties.
  4. 4Ask supply chain about automated cabinets or scan-to-order (Omnicell, PAR Excellence, or your distributor's app).

Tools: Omnicell · PAR Excellence · Distributor apps (Medline, McKesson, Henry Schein)

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Practice / clinic manager

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

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Other common tasks for Practice / clinic managers