Managing logistics in a VA Medical Center (VAMC) can be daunting. From tracking packages and supplies to managing the patient experience, the challenges can seem never-ending. Many VAMCs still rely on manual processes when it comes to package and asset tracking, opening the door for lost packages, bottlenecks, and accountability challenges. Here, our team un”packs” (pun intended) why efficient package tracking is essential and how modern solutions can save your team needed time and money. 

Common VAMC Logistics Challenges

Lost or Misplaced Assets & Packages

One of the most significant challenges in VAMCs is dealing with lost or misplaced packages. These issues can cause inefficiencies and frustrations within the facility, leading to delayed care and operational disruptions. How many times have you spent what seems like hours searching for a piece of needed medical equipment? Going through every closet to find PPE equipment that wasn’t re-ordered in time? While these might just seem like an inconvenience, each delay can add up, leaving your hospital staff struggling, and patients unhappy. 

Lack of Accountability

The inability to pinpoint an asset or package location often leaves staff unprepared to explain missing or misplaced items. This lack of accountability isn’t just an inconvenience, it can become a serious compliance issue. For packages, this can look like minimal insight into what is getting delivered when, calls or emails searching for needed items or equipment, frequent incomplete deliveries, and much more. 

Beyond package tracking,  a lack of transparency creates a chaotic environment, especially when dealing with temperature-controlled or hazardous materials. In a VA medical center, you’re likely dealing with medication, vaccines, lab samples, biohazard materials – the list goes on. Without detailed chain of custody tracking or guidelines into required handling, your team not only poses a risk to your facility, but runs the risk of significant non-compliance consequences.

Manual Tracking Systems

We’ve seen it more than you think. Tracking beds, packages, and other medical equipment just on a clipboard? Unfortunately, that won’t cut it anymore. There are a lot of factors that go into implementing a new software: cost, scalability, implementation time, employee adoption. All of these are valid! If you think that all of these are roadblocks to improving your operation, we invite you to flip your thinking. Implementing the right system for you actually takes a lot of these considerations away. Worried about the cost? You’ll be saving thousands in labor costs. Worried about scalability? Our software integrates with your current tech stack for smooth scaling. 

Why Efficient Last-Yard Tracking Matters

Having the right resources for your operation isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for ensuring the safety of patients and staff. Efficient software helps in several ways:

• Improved Operational Efficiency: By automating tracking processes, VAMCs can reduce the time and effort required to manage assets and packages, allowing staff to focus on more critical tasks.

• Enhanced Accountability: Modern tracking systems provide real-time visibility into the location and status of all assets and packages, ensuring that every item is accounted for and delivered promptly.

• Better Compliance: With stringent regulations governing the handling of medical supplies and medications, having a reliable tracking system helps VAMCs stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Optimize Your VAMC with SCLogic

We know that altering your operations process can be a challenge. With limited resources and lots of stakeholders involved, it’s difficult to know if you’re making the right decision. With over 25 years working specifically with the VA, we have listened directly to you. Your needs, your wants, and how we can best serve your staff and your veterans. If the following sounds great to you, we might just be the perfect fit. 

• Real-Time Tracking: Systems that provide real-time updates on package locations help reduce the risk of lost items and improve overall accountability.
• Automated Notifications: Automated alerts and notifications keep staff informed about the status of critical deliveries, ensuring timely action when needed.
• Integrated Systems: Solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing hospital management systems streamline operations and enhance data accuracy.

Schedule your demo today to learn how we can help optimize your VAMC! Have more questions about our VA-specific workflows or compliance requirements? Email [email protected] with more information.