Establishing A More Efficient Inventory Warehousing Operation In Medical Logistics For The United States Marine Corps
Open Access
Author:
Rose, Daniel John
Area of Honors:
Supply Chain and Information Systems
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Robert Alexander Novack, Thesis Supervisor Dr. John C. Spychalski, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
supply chain logistics expiration medical inventory Marine Corps Medical Logistics Medlog
Abstract:
With the needs and demands in supply chains increasing and growing quickly, organizations are looking for new ways to meet demand and to make their operations more responsive while staying efficient and effective.
This research studies the Medical Logistics Company for the United States Marine Corps at their base at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The Medical Logistics Company houses equipment and medications and prepares them for deployments and missions in areas all over the world. With sensitivity to expiration dates, strict lead times, and the importance of having supply on hand, some challenges arise that can lead to waste and high costs to the organization.
Through a background study, a review of medical and supply chain literature, and interviews with companies and executives in various health-related fields, some common challenges and supply chain solutions have presented themselves in this research.
Companies and organizations are often able to improve the operation of their facilities and processes by using organized electronic inventory systems, carefully monitoring and allocating inventory to minimize waste, and postponing movement of products until the products are ready to be used by the customer. Hopefully, through some of these ideas, the United States Marine Corps will be able to more effectively manage their inventory and operations as they continue to meet the demands of their customers.
