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Abstract
Just-in-time (JIT) inventory delivery systems are the subject of much discussion and scrutiny. A JIT system is based on the highest supply turnover rate that can be maintained by a department without suffering a breakdown in service. Any hospital can implement a JIT system successfully if it first understands and solves 4 basic problems: 1. Accurate usage information has to be available. 2. Orders need to be processed quickly. 3. Vendor fill rates need to be high. 4. Receiving and distribution should be strengthened. Tampa General Hospital (Tampa, Florida), a 1,000-bed teaching institution, began a drastic reorganization of its materiel management program in 1984 by analyzing turnover rates. During 1985, the hospital: 1. simplified the order processing system, 2. implemented electronic order entry systems, and 3. improved the in-house delivery system. This resulted in an increase in turnover from 5.95 in 1985 to 8.31 in 1986. While JIT systems probably will not revolutionize the hospital industry, they will have a significant effect on the supply chain.