No Cookie Cutter Approach Part 3

Dustin Patterson | Regional Sales Manager, LogiQuip LLC.

In Part 2 of the “No Cookie Cutter Approach” Series, we discussed how to better organize your storage room, leveraging different shelving set ups to optimize space and operational efficiency. In Part 3 we will explore the best way to organize supplies on shelves, leveraging a FIFO method and Kanban Triggers.

Traditional Two-Bin Systems leverage two rows of plastic bins with supplies in both bins. When the front bin is emptied, it is placed on the top shelf of the shelving unit (Kanban Trigger) and the back bin is pulled forward. While this system is simple and effective it creates wasted space between the bins and each bin requires cleaning due to dust and debris build-up.

This system allows for more efficient use of the shelving space by creating a two-bin system using Lane and Kanban Dividers, eliminating wasted space that traditional two-bin systems create. By using Kanban Dividers in each “bin”, you can create Kanban Triggers to order more supplies – simply pull the Kanban Divider down when the front bin is emptied to create the  Kanban  Trigger  and  pull  supplies  from  the  back  bin forward. In   addition,   this   system   requires   minimal maintenance because dust/debris fall through the fine mesh basket shelves.

Regardless of which system you choose, you will benefit from FIFO and Lean inventory management to help ensure youhave the supplies you need when you need them.

Dustin  Patterson  is  currently  the  Mid-West Regional Sales Manager with Logiquip Healthcare Storage  Solutions,  a  leading  provider  of  high- quality,  future  focused  storage  systems  designed exclusively for use in the healthcare environment. Logiquip is based out of Kalamazoo, MI and has served healthcare organizations across the US for 30 years. Dustin brings over 12 years of experience in space planning and healthcare storage. He has acted on behalf of LogiQuip as the vendor liaison to the   AHRMM   Wisconsin   Chapter,   a   leading membership  group  for  healthcare  supply  chain professionals. Working closely with many hospitals and surgery centers, Dustin has developed tailored solutions  using  a  mix  of  best  practices,  Lean principles, and industry-leading storage equipment. He has also worked with many Sterile Processing Departments to maximize storage spaces, balancing trade-offs  between  high-capacity  storage  layouts and workflow efficiencies.