What are the challenges of designing an in-house logistics center?
Wibbeling: On the whole, the system must meet the requirements. The logistics technology needs to suit the supply spectrum, the required quantities, and the number of orders. The delivery and distribution processes in the individual hospitals can likewise be very different in terms of their organization. Some hospitals feature a direct, perhaps even subterranean connection via a tunnel system. Other hospitals supply with trucks. All of these components have to be considered on an individual basis and included in the warehouse design. In certain areas, it might make sense to use automated technology such as driverless transport systems or fully automated dispensing systems for example.
What do hospitals have to keep in mind when they design or build a logistics center?
Wibbeling: There are many logistics centers or hospital warehouses that are located on the outer edges of the property and some might not be suitable to facilitate logistics. The actual building often is the problem, if it has low ceilings, long routes or an awkward building design for example. If you subsequently have the chance to build a new logistics center, all of these problems can be addressed and eliminated. The ultimate goal is to ensure efficient operations. At this stage, hospitals should also decide whether the logistics center should be operated in-house or in an external or collaborative environment.
Where do you see the future of hospital logistics?
Wibbeling: Hospital logistics will become increasingly digital. In the future, we might see supply chains that are monitored in increasing and better ways. Today, logistical processes are often already digitally supported and frequently by way of mobile devices. That's simply because technologies are getting cheaper and are more readily available and accessible. Having said that, there is a major challenge as it pertains to the interfaces between the different systems. There is still a lot of unrealized potential in this area.