By Matt Parker, PharmD, MHA, 340B ACE — VP, Pharmacy Services, Trulla
Why Procurement Needs a New Playbook
In a recent webinar, we explored a reality that many health systems are experiencing every day: pharmacy procurement is becoming more complex, more critical, and harder to manage with traditional approaches. Between rising costs, labor shortages, and ongoing drug supply challenges, procurement is no longer just an operational function. It is a key driver of financial and operational performance. That is why we introduced the Pharmacy Procurement Maturity Model, a framework designed to help organizations understand where they are today and how they can evolve. Procurement is not simply manual or automated. It exists on a spectrum, and moving forward on that spectrum unlocks meaningful improvements in efficiency, compliance, and cost control.
The Reality: Most Organizations Are Still in the Middle
One of the clearest insights from the webinar was just how many organizations are still operating in the middle stages of procurement maturity. Many health systems have adopted tools like inventory management systems or suggested ordering, but those capabilities are often uneven across sites. A flagship hospital may be relatively advanced, while clinics, infusion centers, and satellite pharmacies still rely on manual processes. Even within a single organization, variability between teams and locations creates inefficiencies that are difficult to manage. This inconsistency makes it harder to standardize processes, control costs, and ensure reliable supply across the system.
The Turning Point: Standardization and System-Driven Decisions
The real transformation begins when organizations move beyond fragmented tools and adopt a true procurement system. At this stage, procurement is no longer driven by individual buyers; it’s guided by centralized logic.
Instead of relying on personal judgment for every purchase, the system takes the lead by:
- defining preferred products,
- aligning purchasing decisions with existing contracts, and
- ensuring consistency across every site,
This shift toward standardization delivers clear advantages:
- Reduced variability in purchasing
- Improved contract compliance
- Greater visibility into meaningful cost savings
As a result, procurement becomes more predictable and scalable, evolving from a
reactive, fragmented process into a controlled and optimized function.
What’s Emerging: Intelligence and Autonomy in Procurement
Looking ahead, the next phase of procurement is already taking shape. As discussed in the webinar, intelligent procurement systems are introducing real-time insights that help teams make better decisions, faster. These systems can identify unusual ordering patterns, highlight pricing changes, and recommend more cost-effective or compliant alternatives.
The next evolution is autonomous procurement, where much of the ordering process happens automatically. In this model, buyers shift their focus from building orders to managing exceptions, guiding strategy, and optimizing system performance. This shift is not about replacing people; it is about elevating their role and enabling them to focus on higher-value work.
What Health Systems Should Do Next
For most organizations, the path forward is not about jumping straight to autonomy. It starts with creating consistency and gaining control. That means identifying where manual processes still exist, reducing variability across sites, and implementing systems that standardize and guide purchasing decisions.
As financial pressures continue to grow and supply chains remain unpredictable, procurement will play an increasingly strategic role. Organizations that invest now in maturing their procurement approach will be better positioned to manage costs, ensure supply reliability, and drive long-term performance