Medical device manufacturer Synthes is employing radio frequency identification to manage inventory at both the item and case levels. Each case-level surgical kit has numerous parts. By using RFID to rapidly perform inventory counts prior to shipping, Synthes can confirm that the proper item has been placed within each kit. When a surgical kit is returned to the distribution center, shop-floor personnel can quickly conduct inventory and invoice the hospital for any used items. By RFID-enabling DC processes—shipping, receiving, auditing and replenishment—Synthes has saved more than 14,000 labor hours annually. The direct labor savings of six full-time equivalents alone provides a return on investment, but the real benefit is increased throughput, which means no new facilities are required to accommodate a growing volume of surgical kits and sets. This webinar explains how Synthes worked with Iris Software to design and develop the RFID system, how the two companies selected tags for managing challenging processes and how the data is being utilized to deliver business value.
Presenters: Mike Diguglielmo, VP of Process Improvement, Synthes; Anil Sanagavarapu, Technical Services Manager, Iris Software
