Last-mile logistics systems need quality demand and inventory data shared through reliable coordination mechanisms to prevent unnecessary cost and waste.  But in global health, the ideal condition — real time actionable data — is difficult to come by.  Ground realities contribute to this.  Poor road infrastructure means long delivery lead times, the absence of computerized […]

The paper-based information systems that nowadays support the immunization programs in developing countries have long struck me as arcane and ineffective. All around the world, at the end of each month nurses and other health workers typically take a break from their real job to prepare a set of reports for their district supervisors, to […]

As a provider of emergency medicines and medical supplies in response to shortages caused by disasters and instability AmeriCares relies on the needs identified by our on-the-ground partners. A recurring challenge is our lack of visibility to our partners supply chains and distribution networks except through cumbersome, often manual reporting. This limits our ability to […]

Good forecasting for health commodities for both short- and long- term horizons can be very beneficial for supply chain planning. Good forecasts help reduce wasted inventory and improve availability of health commodities. Expectations of having good forecasts make various decision-makers, such as donors, procurement agents and medical personnel, less anxious about being involved in supporting […]