In the last two years, many companies have begun to recognize inefficiencies in their supply chains. When the pandemic hit, brands discovered how quickly they can begin to lose customers when standard suppliers couldn’t deliver packages on time.
Of course, some sectors have been hit worse than others. In the healthcare space, countless groups have been left without the supplies they need to perform life-saving tasks. Going forward, new supply chain strategies will be essential for ensuring medical groups can access not just the PPE equipment and pharmaceutical resources they need, but essential devices and equipment too.
Accessing the right medical equipment is much easier when companies have access to a wide selection of potential supply options, in a convenient, digital space. The rise of anywhere, anytime healthcare, following the pandemic has even prompted many healthcare providers to invest in new forms of medical tools, from solutions for telehealth to remote monitoring devices.
Here’s what you need to know about the future of medical equipment supply chains.
The Rise of a New Kind of Supply Strategy
The pandemic has undoubtedly left all kinds of companies scrambling to keep their inventory up-to-scratch, as supply chains around the world were severed by travel bans and manufacturing restrictions. Nowhere has this chaos been more evident than in the healthcare and medical sector, where providers have been struggling to find the resources, they need to support today’s hospital, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
Though the world is gradually beginning to open up again after the pandemic, it’s clear that most of today’s medical companies will need a new strategy for sourcing the life-saving equipment they need. A more flexible, online environment is the preferred option for most companies, as 75% of B2B business leaders say they prefer to make contactless purchases online.
Perhaps the avenue with the most potential for the medical supply chain, is the rise of B2B marketplaces, defined as simple shopping locations where companies can get all the varying tools, they need in one location. The demand for this kind of shopping environment has been growing for some time, but it’s expected to see a massive increase in the next couple of years, as companies look for more flexibility in how they buy products.
An online marketplace would allow companies to sort through the machines and technology more easily they need to keep their organization running. This clean and simple online supply chain solution will also make it easier to track and manage purchases from various vendors at once. Companies capable of creating a comprehensive space for medical companies where they can purchase refurbished machines, new technology, and critical systems at once will be the ones paving the way to the future of medical buying.
The Medical Industry Is Evolving
A new, more flexible approach to the supply chain doesn’t just give today’s medical companies more peace of mind, following the chaotic scramble for supplies caused by the pandemic. As the way we approach healthcare continues to evolve, a convenient, online purchasing environment also allows medical professionals to access innovative new tools alongside crucial traditional tech.
With a B2B marketplace focusing on the medical sector, companies could specifically search for refurbished devices to keep costs low when struggling with limited budgets and find ways to spend reserved cash on new and improved technology.
While companies in the medical industry have been quick to embrace digital transformation in many areas, much of the supply chain and purchasing landscape remains outdated. There’s around $6.7 trillion in annual trade happening offline, and as the world becomes more digitally focused, this companies are beginning to shift that spending power towards more online brands.
Today’s business leaders, from healthcare finance managers to medical device buyers, are beginning to expect the same fast-paced, simplistic, and easy-to-use avenues for purchasing as they get in their consumer lives. B2B ecommerce is on the rise, and companies capable of offering the simplest, most convenient, and traceable solution will be the ones who capture the attention of the medical industry.
How to Leverage the New Medical Market
The good news for suppliers and manufacturers in the new age of medical technology shopping is that it’s easier than ever to create an environment online where you can attract, nurture, and support your customers. Creating an eCommerce website can instantly ensure you get the attention of a wider range of Medical companies searching for a quick solution to their supply problems.
According to McKinsey, around 96% of respondents plan on changing their go-to-market strategy as we head into 2022 and beyond, with many focusing more aggressively on digital channels. Just as consumers have switched to shopping more consistently online following the pandemic, businesses and professional organizations are following suit.
The B2B ecommerce website is only the beginning. According to Divante’s data predictions for 2021, the most valuable landscape for any business will be the “online marketplace”. With the right technology, companies can now build entire marketplace environments where customers can choose from a range of suppliers to get the best selection of medical products in one purchase.
The flexibility and scalability of the marketplace environment gives medical device suppliers endless room to grow as we move into a new age of B2B buying and selling. If you want to make sure you’re ready to serve your B2B medical companies in the world post-pandemic, contact Souqbox today. We can help you build the perfect sales website to enhance the medical supply chain. We can even give you the keys to your own marketplace.
