How EDI will redefine materials management.

Abstract

Supply expenses and the related administrative costs are a big-ticket item for America's hospitals. As a result, more materials managers are investigating the use of EDI to cut overhead costs and minimize the need to keep huge stockpiles of supplies. In fact, some envision a day when the routine ordering of supplies will no longer be necessary. But getting there won't be easy. First, hospitals must make small, incremental steps toward automation. And these steps may be the hardest because they involve creating a new way of doing business.