By Denise Bisogno, Business Development Manager
As hospitals and health systems grow through mergers and acquisitions, managing supply chain costs becomes increasingly complex. Larger systems face unique challenges, especially when integrating newly acquired facilities. Hidden non-clinical supply chain issues often emerge, creating financial strain and diminishing the return on investment (ROI) from these acquisitions. If not addressed, these challenges can lead to growing deficits and operational inefficiencies.
In sprawling health systems, supply chain management often involves multiple sites and layers of mid-level leadership. This can result in a patchwork of decentralized decisions, increasing the risk of rogue spending. Centralizing processes and establishing strong baseline controls is a daunting task for supply chain leaders, who already face demanding priorities. To improve profitability
and maintain control, supply chain leaders need proven strategies and effective support tailored to their organization’s size and complexity.
What worked for a 300-bed hospital is unlikely to be effective for a 600-bed system spread across multiple regions. Larger systems require scalable solutions to maximize supply chain efficiencies, reduce costs, and achieve measurable improvements. Today, supply chain leaders need more than just tools—they need a comprehensive approach that encompasses every step of the purchasing process, with the capability to uncover hidden savings in invoices and contracts.
The Hidden Costs of Non-Clinical Spend
Non-clinical expenses, like elevator maintenance or snow removal, are harder to evaluate than clinical purchases, such as surgical instruments. Yet they represent significant opportunities for savings if managed effectively.
Consider these key questions:
- Are you confident you’re paying fair prices for non-clinical services?
- What benchmarks do you use to secure the best regional pricing?
- What percentage of your vendors are local versus national?
- Do you clearly understand which services are managed centrally versus independently?
Choosing the Right Support for 2025
When selecting a partner to optimize your supply chain, look for these critical attributes:
- A comprehensive, end-to-end approach—not just a single tool.
- Intelligent automation designed to boost value and improve controls.
- Expertise in non-clinical spend, supported by innovative solutions.
Make 2025 the Year of Purchasing Excellence
Supply chain leaders across the healthcare industry are achieving better results by leveraging automation and expert insights. Many have partnered with SpendMend to evaluate their current practices and implement a one-of-a-kind automated process that identifies hidden savings and improves operational efficiency.
Request a report today to see how SpendMend can help transform your supply chain and deliver measurable results.
