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Healthcare Logistics: 3PL Benefits for Healthcare Operations

Ethan Townzen
Written by
Ethan Townzen
Published on
June 21, 2024
Table of Contents

Healthcare logistics is crucial for efficient operations in the medical field, especially considering the handling of heavy and fragile equipment. This issue can be addressed by hiring Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers who offer specialized services like value added logistics

With these providers, you can make sure that supplies and equipment are delivered and stored properly. This makes them very important in medicine, especially in the life sciences and healthcare logistics sector.

Cost Efficiency

Using 3PL healthcare logistics reduces operational costs significantly. Economies of scale allow healthcare providers to save money by consolidating shipments. This is seen in Extensiv’s report, which shows that those in the medical supplies and pharmaceuticals industry benefit from 3PLs. 

In it, the companies are stated to be 27% more likely to experience high and medium profitability growth, compared to other industries, because of the provider. This shows just how cost-efficient having a 3PL provider is.

Enhanced Efficiency and Expertise

3PLs bring specialized logistics knowledge to the table. They improve supply chain management with their expertise, reducing delays and errors. Additionally, depending on your contract, they can provide extra services like packaging and kitting to help you scale your business.

Advanced technology and systems, such as tracking and automated inventory management, are also integral to life sciences and healthcare logistics, ensuring precision and efficiency. At Buske Logistics, these technologies are embraced with open arms, as seen in how we use solutions like NetSuite and Secchi Software in our operations.

Focus on Core Competencies

At the core of it all, healthcare providers should be able to focus more on patient care. This is achieved by having a 3PL healthcare logistics provider do the work for you. 

Non-core activities like inventory management and transportation are managed by 3PLs efficiently. This leads to better overall organizational performance in healthcare logistics, allowing medical professionals to dedicate more time to critical healthcare services.

Compliance and Risk Management

3PLs ensure strict regulatory compliance, which is crucial for healthcare logistics. They navigate complex regulations related to the storage and transportation of medical products.

Risk management is an essential thing in the healthcare sector. With a 3PL provider, they can reduce the risks associated with handling sensitive items, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This is very important, especially in life sciences and healthcare logistics, as it safeguards the patient and product integrity.

Improved Patient Care

Being able to focus on patients by providing the timely delivery of medical supplies and not worrying about logistics helps tremendously. For patient care, the more you can focus on them, the better the outcome will be. Doctors will focus on being doctors while logistics people will handle the rest.

Better logistics lead to improved patient outcomes in life sciences and healthcare logistics, reducing delays in treatment and enhancing overall healthcare quality. At Buske, we are committed to giving everyone the best solutions available, similar to how these primary caregivers strive to make everyone happy and healthy.

Scalability and Flexibility

3PLs offer scalable solutions that adapt to changing needs. Our flexibility supports growth and expansion, allowing healthcare providers to adjust their logistics operations without significant disruptions. 

Interestingly, a study indicates that the laws of supply and demand do not work effectively in the healthcare industry due to the uncertainty of when they will get sick. However, being well-prepared is always beneficial, particularly in the face of unexpected shifts in demand, such as those experienced during a pandemic. Partnering with a 3PL ensures you are ready to scale operations swiftly when the need arises.

Conclusion

The benefits of using a 3PL in healthcare logistics are undeniable, offering cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved patient care. Healthcare providers should consider 3PL solutions to enhance their logistics operations, ultimately benefiting both patients and staff.

At Buske, we are dedicated to making a positive impact, particularly in the healthcare industry. If our values align with your needs, please feel free to contact us at  info@buske.com.