Streamlining Implant and Instrument Fulfillment for Faster, More Efficient Service.
In a significant move to enhance customer experience, Exactech’s implant and instrument centers are enhancing their lean manufacturing principles, resulting in substantial improvements in efficiency and cost savings. Previously treated as two separate teams, the fulfillment operations for implants and instruments have now been unified, fostering better collaboration and sharing of best practices.
Smarter Inventory Management
One of the key achievements of this initiative is a reduction in purchase demand, which will materialize over the course of 2025 and 2026. This improvement is driven by:
- Better inventory visibility – Reducing unnecessary purchases by aligning inventory levels with actual customer demand.
- Data-driven forecasting – Utilizing an 18-month forecast and analyzing 12 months of previous shipments to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Minimized waste – Ensuring that only necessary items are kept in stock, preventing excess inventory and reducing costs.
Lean Principles for Greater Efficiency
By adopting lean manufacturing principles, the fulfillment team now operates under one roof, ensuring a more cohesive and aligned approach to operations. Additional improvements include:
- Consistent messaging and support – Keeping the team aligned and focused on common goals.
- Optimized kitting process for instruments – Implementing an assembly line approach to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
- Cross-training team members – Ensuring that every fulfillment team member is equipped to handle all aspects of the process.
What This Means for Surgeons and Sales Representatives
With these operational enhancements, Exactech is setting a new standard for efficiency in fulfillment.
...Surgeons and sales representatives should expect to receive implants and instruments on time, with accurate shipments, enhancing the overall customer experience...
This initiative not only improves immediate operations but also lays the foundation for future advancements in manufacturing and fulfillment.
A Team Effort: Collaboration Across Departments
Exactech’s commitment to teamwork is exemplified in this cross-functional project, which involved collaboration among multiple teams, including:
- Customer Operations Center (COC) Team
- Global Instrument Center (GIC) Team
- Technical Services
- Packaging Engineering
- Demand Planning
- Field Inventory
- Customer Service
- IT and Leadership
By integrating lean manufacturing principles and fostering cross-team collaboration, Exactech is reinforcing its dedication to efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and superior customer service. Expect more advancements as the company continues to innovate in manufacturing and fulfillment operations.
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