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Healthcare Supply Chain Data Analytics: What Are its Benefits?

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supply chain analytics

Find out why supply chain analytics helps healthcare organizations maintain patient loyalty and avoid unnecessary costs.

In any industry, supplies need to flow smoothly. But in healthcare, lives depend on medications and supplies that arrive on time. Researchers surveyed 400 healthcare workers, from nurses to supply chain managers. More than half of those surveyed said they could recall when a doctor didn’t have a medical product for a patient’s procedure. And twenty-four percent of respondents had seen or heard of a situation where an expired or recalled product was used on a patient.

Some nurses and doctors spend twenty percent of their time locating supplies when they could be doing their job and treating patients. Data analytics helps organize the supply chain so that healthcare workers have the resources to treat patients at their fingertips.

What Is Supply Chain Analytics?

The supply chain consists of different processes: procurement, distribution, inventory management, etc. The system analyzes, interprets, and suggests improvement strategies for these processes. Managers who manage the supply chain can use the system reports for optimization. What can they optimize with supply chain analytics software? Via manufacturing processes, warehouse management, transportation, etc. And managers can also forecast demand.

An analytics system copes with unstructured big data. For example, a hospital works with electronic health records (EHR) and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Different departments of the hospital manage these databases. Members of the clinical team work closely with the EHR. They enter data on how they use clinical products. The ERP tool is useful for the supply chain team and leaders when they manage the hospital’s finances or make a strategic plan. EPR contains data on products, prices, suppliers, contracts, procurement, and payment. It is also important to consider the data of the supply chain management (SCM) system. E.g., the data from barcodes and RFID tags. They are needed to track the stock of medical equipment or consumables. Another example is data on the expiration dates of drugs.

The forms of this data may vary. If the clinical and supply chain teams rely on manual processes to fill out paperwork, they may get lost in the data. But it doesn’t confuse the analytics system. It integrates the SCM system with the EHR and ERP and offers a single system of record for financial transactions and patient care.

Supply chain analytics software can be thought of as a set of tools. These tools use big data to answer questions and offer solutions.

There are four types of big data analytics in healthcare that apply to the supply chain as well.

Descriptive analytics answers the question, «Which events happened?» For example, algorithms show the demand for basic personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased. These are hospital gowns, surgical masks, gloves, respirators, etc.

Diagnostic analytics explains, «Why did these events happen?» The reason is an epidemic in a certain area. It spreads widely and quickly.

Predictive analytics answers the question, «What can happen?» The epidemic can unfold quickly, and the demand for PPE grows. Algorithms show that healthcare organizations may experience a shortage of PPE. Detailed forecasts are possible because developers train analytics models so that they can detect patterns. The model is trained on a wide ecosystem of libraries specifically for healthcare analytics software. One example of such an ecosystem is Python libraries. Belitsoft expert Dmitry Baraishuk emphasizes that Python development services are not only about model training. Before that, developers clean the client datasets and study them to select the features most closely related to the predicted variable. After that, the developers split the dataset into training and test data. They evaluate the performance of the resulting model and only then deploy it in a real app.

Prescriptive analytics answer the question, «What should we do?» For example, analytics tools calculate the potential stock of PPE for a healthcare company, to eliminate a shortage. So, it can replenish PPE stocks from local suppliers. It may be that the stocks of local suppliers vanish due to increased demand from several healthcare organizations at once. So, the healthcare company can establish a supply chain with a third-party supplier.

What Are the Benefits of Supply Chain Analytics for Healthcare? 

A supply chain analytics system in healthcare helps solve many problems. It analyzes how resilient suppliers are and how available supplies are. It checks how efficient the logistics network is and estimates costs. Supply chain analytics algorithms also allow healthcare organizations to predict future demand.

There are several key benefits when a healthcare organization uses the supply chain analytics software.

Improved Customer Service

The patient experience is guaranteed to be worse when critical supplies are unavailable to physicians and patients. For example, a physician and patient are scheduled for a knee replacement. But there is a supply chain disruption. The knee implant does not arrive on time or is in stock but is too big or small. The patient is forced to reschedule the procedure. And it means more time off from work, more asking a friend or relative to drive them to or from the hospital. More babysitting or pet sitting. And of course, it means the patient will have to live with knee pain longer.

What is the main goal of supply chains in healthcare? To meet demand. Healthcare workers and patients want to ensure that all the medical supplies and consumables they need are available without gaps. There are several ways to monitor supply availability. One way is to examine patient data in the EHR. Analytics tools reveal patterns and trends in how doctors and nurses use certain supplies to treat a patient. They also provide data to ensure that the medical supplies ordered from the supplier match the patient’s needs.

Reduced Costs

If a provider studies the analytics reports on procurement and use of supplies, they can direct the supply chain to reduce costs. For example, the analytics software tracks the expiration dates of consumables. It offers a report about the number of consumables the healthcare organization needs. It considers how quickly the providers usually use these materials and which materials they use more and less often. This way the organization can avoid waste. Analytics tools can also identify which supplier or suppliers offer these materials at the best prices.

Analytics algorithms link supply chain data and clinical data from doctors. The goal is to determine whether specific supplies lead to adverse events that ultimately «cost a pretty penny» and rehospitalizations. For example, there are two similar medical products for surgical interventions. They have a price difference. The higher quality product is more expensive, but its use provokes fewer complications at the place of surgical intervention. In this case, the healthcare organization studies the analytics reports and can choose the more expensive medical product from the supplier. It’s a more cost-effective solution because treating frequent complications via a cheaper product will cost even more.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Algorithms perform statistical analysis of processes. Analytics reports enable managers to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. For example, analytics tools study procurement and delivery. The reports show that customers in different departments of a healthcare organization place separate orders with the same supplier on average once every two weeks. It forces the procurement team to process multiple purchase orders. The accounts payable (AP) team also has more work to do: they have to process numerous invoices. The supplier receives these separate orders from one healthcare organization and sends many shipments monthly. The warehouse team must receive and process each of them. The analytics software combines orders for the supplier and shipments. As a result, procurement, AP, and the warehouse do not waste time and energy on unnecessary work.

Last but not Least

The supply chain analytics system allows the healthcare organization to be flexible when it faces order disruptions. Algorithms identify alternative clinically equivalent products that have been pre-approved by the supplier in case of availability issues. It allows you to redesign your procurement process quickly. And you are guaranteed to have the product on time. The analytics system can also look at past supply consumption trends and predict future demand. It makes the supply chain more flexible in delivering what providers need in the near term.

About The Author:

Dmitry Baraishuk is a partner and Chief Innovation Officer at the software development company Belitsoft (a Noventiq company) with 20 years of expertise in digital healthcare, custom e-learning software development, and Business Intelligence (BI) implementation.

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Powerful Torrent Client for Mac |  Fast Downloads & Easy Management

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Torrent Client

Upgrade Your Mac Experience with Our Torrent Client

Do you need help with downloads? Ditch the frustration! Our powerful Mac torrent client lets you take charge. Experience blazing-fast speeds, effortless management, and an intuitive interface. Download smarter, not harder.

Even more than you expected from torrent client Mac

This heading suggests that the features provided by Folx, the Mac torrent client, exceed typical expectations. This implies that Folx offers a comprehensive set of functionalities beyond what one might expect from a standard torrent client.

  1. Smart Tagging

Smart tagging is a feature in Folx that allows users to assign tags to downloaded files. These tags serve as labels or identifiers, making it easier for users to organize and locate their downloaded content efficiently. It also enhances file management capabilities within the torrent client.

  1. Proxy server downloading

Proxy server downloading enables users to route their torrent downloads through proxy servers. This feature offers anonymity and privacy by masking the user’s IP address, increasing security, and allowing access to content that might otherwise be restricted based on geographical location or network policies.

  1. Password saver

The password saver feature in Folx allows users to securely store login credentials for websites or services they frequently access. By saving passwords within the torrent client, users can streamline their authentication process and avoid the hassle of repeatedly entering login information.

  1. Multi-threading

Multi-threading refers to Folx’s ability to split each download into multiple threads or connections. By leveraging simultaneous connections to the server hosting the file, multi-threading can significantly increase download speeds, resulting in faster and more efficient downloads.

  1. Download Scheduling

Download scheduling functionality in Folx lets users specify when to start or pause downloads. This feature is handy for managing bandwidth usage, ensuring downloads occur during off-peak hours or when network traffic is minimal. Users can also schedule downloads to begin automatically at predetermined times.

  1. Apple Music Integration

The Apple Music integration feature in Folx allows users to seamlessly incorporate downloaded music and videos into their Apple Music library. This integration simplifies organizing and enjoying multimedia content across Apple devices by automatically adding downloaded content to Apple Music playlists based on user-defined tags.

These features collectively enhance the functionality and user experience of Folx, positioning it as a comprehensive and versatile torrent client for Mac users.

Conclusion

Meet the next level of torrenting efficiency on your Mac with our feature-rich client. With easy integration, enhanced security, and unparalleled speed, you can take control of your downloads like never before. Don’t settle for less; select our torrent client for Mac and raise your downloading experience to new heights.

Faqs

Can you use uTorrent on a Mac?

Yes, uTorrent is available for Mac users. You can download and use it to manage torrents on your Mac.

Is there a uTorrent app for Apple?

Yes, there is a uTorrent app specifically designed for Mac users. You can download it from the official uTorrent website or the Mac App Store.

Which torrent client is best?

The best torrent client often depends on personal preference and specific needs. Popular options include uTorrent, BitTorrent, Transmission, and qBittorrent. Each has its features and interface, so it’s a good idea to try a few to see which suits you best.

Is it illegal to use a torrent client?

Torrent clients themselves are not illegal, but using them to download or distribute copyrighted material without permission is against the law in many countries. It’s essential to only use torrents for legal purposes or with adequately licensed content.

Is BitTorrent safe for Mac?

BitTorrent is generally safe for Mac users when downloaded from reputable sources. However, as with any software, it’s essential to be cautious and only download from trusted websites to avoid malware or other security risks.

What is Folx Mac?

Folx is a download manager and BitTorrent client for macOS. It allows users to download files, torrents, and videos from the internet with various features such as scheduling downloads, splitting downloads into multiple threads for faster speeds, and organizing downloads into categories. Folx is designed to be user-friendly and efficient for Mac users.

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How To Manage Employees at Scale: Workforce Management Software

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Workforce Management Software

Companies that maintain a clear record of employee time, attendance, and tasks may experience boosted performance and improved bottom lines. Workforce management software enables labor-intensive organizations to maximize labor efficiency, minimize compliance risks, and develop strategic insight that improves business operations. Embracing a data-driven approach to management helps companies retain talent, cut labor costs, and adhere to labor laws. Here are a few ways workforce software can help you manage employees at scale:

Improved Labor Optimization

Management software identifies and alerts management to labor issues such as overstaffing or understaffing based on forecasted workloads. Workforce management software analyses historical data and business trends to align staff schedules with anticipated demand. It factors employee availabilities, skills, and preferences to generate optimized schedules that result in better timekeeping and adherence to deadlines. Businesses may experience reduced scheduling errors, optimized workforce utilization, smoother shift planning, and improved employee satisfaction due to fair and balanced schedules. Labor optimization increases productivity and success rates as each task is assigned and complies with the company’s workflow.

Enhanced Demand Forecasting

Accurately forecasting demand for a large and dispersed workforce, including remote employees, can present significant growth and operational efficiency opportunities. Miscalculated labor requirements lead to inefficient staffing that strains the budget and interferes with performance. A workforce management system uses artificial intelligence algorithms to predict workload volume for active operation days. The forecasted data can help management make informed decisions on when to increase or scale down the workforce. The software uses repeated data patterns to forecast future requirements, helping businesses to have better budget and resource allocation planning.

Automated Scheduling

Manual schedule creation is time-consuming for a large workforce,  especially when different shifts and employee skills are involved. Workforce management systems are automated and generate schedules that align with forecasted demand, employee availability, and skill sets. Such systems allow for easy updating and making changes to the schedule. A workforce management tool features workforce sharing, smart templates, and shift swapping. It will enable staff to pick up open shifts or make changes that a supervisor approves. Automated scheduling streamlines administrative tasks and promotes equitable distribution of shifts.

Improved Time Tracking and Attendance

Employee attendance and time tracking help calculate the number of hours worked, overtime, and absences. Managing data tracking manually for a large workforce can pose challenges in terms of time consumption, error risks, and complexity. Workforce management software provides a more efficient solution by automating the time-tracking process. Employees clock in and out using their devices, eliminating discrepancies or manual calculations. This feature also helps managers better understand their employees’ productivity and identify any issues that may arise. 

Improved Compliance and Reporting

Compliance with labor laws and regulations is a requirement for any organization. The laws stipulate maximum working hours, minimum wage, and overtime pay. Employees are entitled to rest, meal breaks, and a set number of vacation days. A workforce software ushers in automation and standardization, promoting law adherence. The software also generates comprehensive reports on employee data. The report makes it easier for organizations to monitor compliance and identify any areas of improvement. These reports can also aid in identifying trends and patterns within the workforce, enabling organizations to make proactive changes.  

Enhanced Employee Engagement

Features in a workforce management system, including newsfeeds, polls, surveys, and scheduling communications, support effective information sharing across the organization. Highly engaged employees are more productive, have lower absenteeism rates, and stay with the company longer. Workforce management tools improve employee engagement in various ways. The software allows employees to view their schedules and adjust as needed, promoting transparency and control over their work hours. It provides a platform for employees to request time off, swap shifts with colleagues, and communicate with managers. This level of autonomy and communication fosters a sense of ownership and teamwork among employees. The software can track employee performance and provide top performers, further boosting engagement levels.

Maximize Efficiency With Workforce Management Software

Effective communication improves workplace efficiency and reduces errors. Workforce management software allows for streamlined communication between employees, managers, and HR personnel. The software sends automated notifications, reminders, and updates to keep everyone on the same page. It also provides a centralized platform for all employee information, eliminating the need for multiple manual systems. Investing in workforce software may lead to significant cost savings and improve organizational success. Implement workforce software into your business processes today.

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Removing Distractions: Mastering Background Eraser for Clean Images

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Background Eraser for Clean Images

In the realm of photography and digital image editing, clarity is key. Whether you’re a professional photographer striving for perfection or an amateur looking to enhance your snapshots, removing distractions from your images can elevate their impact and convey your intended message more effectively. Enter free image background remover, a powerful tool that empowers users to achieve clean, distraction-free images with ease.

Understanding the Importance of Distraction-Free Images

In today’s visually-driven world, where attention spans are fleeting, the ability to capture and retain viewers’ attention is paramount Photo Editor. A cluttered or distracting background can detract from the subject of your image, diluting its impact and leaving viewers disengaged. Whether you’re showcasing products for an e-commerce website, promoting your brand on social media, or simply capturing precious moments, the quality of your images can make or break your message.

Enter Background Eraser: Your Ticket to Clean, Professional Images

Background Eraser is a versatile tool that allows users to seamlessly remove unwanted elements from their photos, leaving behind a clean and polished backdrop. Whether it’s eliminating a busy background, erasing stray objects, or isolating the subject of your image, Background Eraser provides the precision and control needed to achieve professional results.

Mastering Background Eraser: Tips and Techniques

  1. Selecting the Right Tool: Background Eraser offers various selection tools, including automatic, manual, and semi-automatic options. Understanding the strengths of each tool and when to use them is essential for achieving optimal results.
  1. Refining Selections: Precision is key when using Background Eraser. Utilize zoom and refine edge tools to fine-tune your selections, ensuring seamless integration with the surrounding background.
  1. Adjusting Thresholds: Background Eraser allows users to adjust thresholds to control the sensitivity of the tool. Experiment with different threshold settings to achieve the desired level of accuracy and detail in your edits.
  1. Utilizing Layers and Masks: Working non-destructively with layers and masks enables you to make adjustments without permanently altering your original image. Take advantage of these features to fine-tune your edits and maintain flexibility throughout the editing process.
  1. Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, mastering Background Eraser requires practice. Experiment with different images, explore various techniques, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each edit brings you one step closer to proficiency.

Conclusion

In a world inundated with visual stimuli, the ability to create clean, distraction-free images is invaluable to Blur Camera. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a content creator, or simply someone who appreciates the art of photography, mastering Background Eraser opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing your images and captivating your audience. With patience, practice, and a keen eye for detail, you can harness the power of Background Eraser to elevate your photography to new heights.

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