1. The Challenge
Prisma, a healthcare provider, faced a significant challenge in optimizing the layout and workflow of their supply rooms while increasing their storage capacity. The initial request was to improve each department's supply room's overall organization and storage efficiency. This task involved reevaluating the existing wire shelving system, which often hindered access to valuable corner space within these rooms.
2. The Solutions
Space Solved (SSS) recommended a transformative solution for Prisma's supply rooms. The key change was to move away from traditional wire shelving, which limited access to room corners, and instead leverage these previously underutilized areas. By installing corner baskets, Prisma could maximize its storage capacity and improve the overall organization of supplies.
Additionally, during the implementation of this solution, SSS identified a significant opportunity for cost savings. They noticed that Prisma was using their "controlled cabinets" (Automated Dispensing Cabinets, or ADCs) to store many low-cost supplies despite the high leasing cost of approximately $2,000 per cabinet per month. SSS proposed transferring all non-billable and controlled substances from the ADCs to the redesigned supply rooms.
This strategic move allowed Prisma to eliminate at least 17 ADCs across 17 supply rooms, resulting in substantial monthly cost savings of $34,000. This amounted to an annual savings of $408,000 and a three-year ROI of $1,224,000. Not only did this change save money, but it also made low-cost items more accessible to staff and streamlined inventory management.
3. The Results
The implementation of the solutions had a profound impact on Prisma's operations. By increasing the storage capacity and optimizing the layout of each supply room, Prisma could consolidate the number of supply rooms or areas needed by various departments. For instance, in the emergency department, nurses saved approximately 10 minutes per patient because they no longer had to search multiple locations for necessary supplies. All patient supplies were centralized within the most accessible supply room in the department, resulting in several tangible and intangible benefits:
- Happier staff due to a more efficient and easier workflow.
- Reduced need for additional full-time employees (FTEs) to meet patient requirements.
- Fewer labor hours are required for stock replenishment by the Supply Chain team (one location instead of three or four).
- Improved patient care: In the high-stakes environment of the Emergency Room, where seconds and minutes matter, having readily accessible supplies significantly impacted patient outcomes. This change ultimately made a difference in the quality and efficiency of patient care.
In summary, the collaboration between Prisma and SSS optimized supply room layouts and storage, generated substantial cost savings, improved staff satisfaction, and enhanced patient care in critical situations. That's another...Space Solved!
“Glad to partner with Matt of Space Saving Solutions. Putting the right supplies in the right location makes replenishment easier and providers are able to find what they need much faster, ultimuately improving patient care and reducing length of stay.”
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