(September 2020) – I recently came across this article from the Harvard Business Journal and feel it has a lot of merit to the situation healthcare supply chain leaders find ourselves. Please give it a read, then come back.

You are probably wondering how an article about an expensive coffee chain relates to healthcare supply chain? We have all known for years that supply chain was not just about moving boxes. However, many outside the department didn't understand the moving pieces and challenges within healthcare supply chain. Maybe you couldn't advance technology because those dollars went toward advancing clinical needs or other important initiatives. Then, in March, suddenly healthcare supply chain was in the spotlight. The president was holding press conferences daily discussing healthcare supply chain.

You have probably been asked to provide real time actionable data, pull personal protective equipment from magic hats, keep products flowing in spite of the many struggling manufacturing plants, and the list goes on. Most likely the data wasn’t readily accessible, the magic hats are on backorder, and the manufacturer communication broke down. However, knowing supply chain professionals, somehow everything was accomplished, and patient care wasn't disrupted. The spotlight can be a good thing, it can shine some light on some bright individuals in the basement and potential investments needed to become more efficient.

Now it is your time to shine! Is your strategy built? Do you have the capabilities needed to execute the plan? Are you shaping the world around you or waiting for change? What is your culture? How is moral? Spend some time planning what the next three years looks like for your supply chain. Maybe it's time to dust off that plan you had and make some tweaks. Don't forget those lessons learned through this pandemic.

Once you have built your strategy, communicate it to anyone who will listen early and often. This is your game plan. Everyone must understand their role to execute the plan. If there are technology needs, create your return on investment and work it into your budget. Create goals for your employees that align with your strategy and rewards for milestones. Allow employees to execute the strategy, work cross functionally and set supply chain apart by providing customers with a great experience.

Anyone can sell a cup of coffee. How do you create an experience to sell an expensive cup of coffee?