Proposing a Framework for Developing Supply Chains of Medical Devices
Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Finance and Supply Chain Management
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
To help develop supply chains for a medical device, this study proposed a framework based on literature review and the unique characteristics of medical devices. The framework first evaluates the structure of the medical device, the suppliers of raw materials or components, and the emerging technologies and manufacturing processes to be used to build the device. It then assesses the quality regulations and standards for the device and the manufacturing processes, the location of the suppliers, and the operation and maintenance of the device along the supply chain. This framework was applied to a case where supply chains were developed through Porter’s cluster mapping technique for two medical devices: an ultrasound machine and a prosthetic ankle. The preliminary results suggested that the features of the medical devices influenced the choice of their supply chains. In particular, a research-oriented device with customized components should have a localized supply chain (e.g., within Washington State in this case) while the consumer-oriented device with standardized components could have a national or even a global supply chain. Future research directions are suggested.
Recommended Citation
Liao, K., Deng, X., Wang, Y. G., & Bayazit, O. (2019). Proposing a Framework for Developing Supply Chains of Medical Devices. Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 12(3), 153–164. https://doi.org/10.31387/oscm0380239
Journal
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Rights
© 2019
Comments
This article was originally published in Operations and Supply Chain Management. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.