Ensuring greater availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) against the virus

The aim of this project being conducted by a team from the Department of Logistics and Operations Management is to improve the supply chain resilience of this equipment which is essential to the functioning of healthcare facilities.

The systems in place have been unable to meet the unexpected demand for these items

• The first wave of COVID-19 highlighted flaws in the standard methods of demand forecasting, procurement and distribution of PPEs.
• Government authorities had little visibility on the quantities of stocks that were actually available and their location in the healthcare network.

Establishing best practices in procurement and inventory management

• Interviews with logistics managers from healthcare facilities in Quebec and Canada shed light on the gaps and best practices in procurement, distribution and storage of PPEs.
• By analyzing available data, it will be possible to construct a model for better demand forecasting and inventory management.
• Recommendations from this project will guide healthcare facilities as well as the healthcare network towards adapting their supply chain during a pandemic.