Amanda Winstead, Freelance Writer10.30.23
Manufacturing orthopedic implants requires one to make enough return on an investment to keep a business afloat. With efficient supply chain management, you can reduce lead times, save on production expenses, and, ultimately, increase your bottom line.
Ramping up the revenue from orthopedic products will allow you to continue to serve the healthcare industry in a way that is sustainable for you and your consumers. Learn how to cut orthopedic implant manufacturing costs with the following shipping logistics optimization tips.
Start with an audit of your current warehouse situation. Look for details that affect efficiency, such as:
Then, audit how you’re maximizing your use of that warehouse space. Consider:
Inadequately using your space can cost you in the long run. Without proper organization, you could:
Get as much bang for your warehouse buck by keeping things organized in a smart and consistent way. Some popular organization hacks include double-depth racks, mobile shelving, and mezzanine floors. This optimizes your use of space while keeping stock easy to reach and track in inventory software systems.
Of course, there are industry standards for certain orthopedic materials due to their properties, such as titanium for its ability to bond with bone. Instead of sacrificing the integrity of your prosthetics and implants, just keep a closer eye on shipment requirements. Keep in mind the legal requirements, shipping restrictions, and packaging you or third-party suppliers would need for certain minerals and metals. There are specific ways that some of these materials need to be transported, stored, and handled. Work with a reputable shipping company that is well-versed in the efficient, safe shipment of metals and minerals to ensure a smooth process.
Further, the choice of packaging can significantly impact weight and volume, which, in turn, affects shipping costs. Consider carefully selecting lightweight yet durable materials and optimizing packaging dimensions to reduce shipping expenses. Clear labeling and barcode systems on the packaging can also facilitate accurate tracking, ensuring timely and error-free deliveries. You could also implement recyclable packaging to reuse materials and save money there. Well-thought-out packaging solutions are instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of orthopedic implants while simultaneously streamlining the shipping process for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Eco-driving practices, such as maintaining steady speeds and reducing unnecessary idling, can significantly reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, shipping costs for orthopedic implants. Training your drivers to drive in a more sustainable way can lead to substantial, money-saving benefits. In addition, smart route planning considers factors like traffic patterns and avoiding congested areas. This can further enhance shipping efficiency, minimize delays, and reduce fuel waste, which is essential in the timely and cost-effective delivery of these specialized medical devices.
Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.
Ramping up the revenue from orthopedic products will allow you to continue to serve the healthcare industry in a way that is sustainable for you and your consumers. Learn how to cut orthopedic implant manufacturing costs with the following shipping logistics optimization tips.
Warehouse Organization and Layout
To have a productive workflow, you must have an efficient physical space. Your orthopedic product warehouse should be conducive to a streamlined shipping process. This might mean inventory redistribution and reorganization, an upgrade to a larger warehouse, or anything in between.Start with an audit of your current warehouse situation. Look for details that affect efficiency, such as:
- Location
- Loading docks
- Zoning
- Square footage
- Security
- Operating costs
- Connectivity
- Electrical capacity
- Maintenance requirements
- Climate controls
Then, audit how you’re maximizing your use of that warehouse space. Consider:
- Labeling systems
- Warehouse management software
- Safety standards
- Smart layouts, e.g. vertical shelving and aisles that match workflow
- Adequate staff training
Inadequately using your space can cost you in the long run. Without proper organization, you could:
- Waste money on utilities
- Lose inventory to damages or theft
- Waste time sifting through stock
- Cause delays or wrong orders due to inaccurate stock
- Deal with dead stock or overstock
- Cause shipping delays due to difficult traffic flow
Get as much bang for your warehouse buck by keeping things organized in a smart and consistent way. Some popular organization hacks include double-depth racks, mobile shelving, and mezzanine floors. This optimizes your use of space while keeping stock easy to reach and track in inventory software systems.
Material Integrity and Shipping Requirements
Some of the biggest costs in orthopedic manufacturing come from the materials from which the implants are made. There are various metals and minerals used in medical implants. It’s important to delineate which materials you should use to optimize not only the integrity of your orthopedic products but also the logistics involved with shipping said materials.Of course, there are industry standards for certain orthopedic materials due to their properties, such as titanium for its ability to bond with bone. Instead of sacrificing the integrity of your prosthetics and implants, just keep a closer eye on shipment requirements. Keep in mind the legal requirements, shipping restrictions, and packaging you or third-party suppliers would need for certain minerals and metals. There are specific ways that some of these materials need to be transported, stored, and handled. Work with a reputable shipping company that is well-versed in the efficient, safe shipment of metals and minerals to ensure a smooth process.
Packaging Solutions
Packaging is a large contributor to the successful shipment of orthopedic products and the materials used in manufacturing said products. These delicate, specialized products require precise protection to ensure safe shipment to their destination, whether that’s to a consumer or your manufacturing site. Custom-designed packaging can provide a snug and secure fit for orthopedic implants, reducing the risk of damage during transit.Further, the choice of packaging can significantly impact weight and volume, which, in turn, affects shipping costs. Consider carefully selecting lightweight yet durable materials and optimizing packaging dimensions to reduce shipping expenses. Clear labeling and barcode systems on the packaging can also facilitate accurate tracking, ensuring timely and error-free deliveries. You could also implement recyclable packaging to reuse materials and save money there. Well-thought-out packaging solutions are instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of orthopedic implants while simultaneously streamlining the shipping process for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Eco-Driving and Smart Route Planning
Sustainable packaging can also benefit from sustainable shipment. If your company is responsible for the fleet of shipping vehicles, you can optimize fleet management to reduce costs. Smart route planning and eco-driving solutions are two ways to cut down on costs by increasing shipping efficiency.Eco-driving practices, such as maintaining steady speeds and reducing unnecessary idling, can significantly reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, shipping costs for orthopedic implants. Training your drivers to drive in a more sustainable way can lead to substantial, money-saving benefits. In addition, smart route planning considers factors like traffic patterns and avoiding congested areas. This can further enhance shipping efficiency, minimize delays, and reduce fuel waste, which is essential in the timely and cost-effective delivery of these specialized medical devices.
Data Tracking
Data in orthopedic implant manufacturing is paramount. It allows for machine learning, automation, and the interconnectivity of systems to streamline processes. When it comes to shipping optimization, data tracking can give you the insights necessary to adjust in real-time and otherwise. By analyzing historical shipping data and real-time information, you can make informed decisions about factors like shipping routes, carrier selection, and inventory management, ultimately reducing expenses and enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain.Constantly Improving
As tech advances, you will be presented with even more opportunities to optimize your orthopedic implant shipping. Reducing manufacturing costs is crucial to sustainably serve the healthcare industry and enhance your bottom line. Keep abreast of your data and any changes in the industry to constantly tweak your processes for efficient supply chain management and shipping logistics optimization.Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.