Kanban inventory management with H+H SYSTEM

H+H products are perfect for Kanban containers and shelving

The Kanban principle has proven to be an extremely efficient system for inventory management and production control. In the healthcare sector, such an inventory system is invaluable. Originally from Japan, "Kanban" means "data card." Today, traditional cards are often replaced by barcodes or RFID chips. However, the core of the system remains the same: continuous supply and the prevention of overstocking, thereby reducing unnecessary storage costs.

This was recently recognised by the healthcare facility “Motena” in Belgium, supported by the supplier “Healthsupply”. which implemented the Kanban principle for inventory management in its nursing homes. The two-bin system is particularly used for medical supplies and consumables such as compresses, bandages, gloves, syringes, scissors, disinfectants, shampoo, and more. H+H products like H+H FlexShelf®, ISO modular trays, flexible dividers, and labelling options such as label holders are the ideal tools for this setup. At the picking stations, i.e., on-site at the residents rooms, one FlexShelf is used for operating stock and a second for reserve stock. The operating stock is used first, and when it is depleted, the reserve stock is used. At the same time, a notification is sent to the central warehouse, also organised according to the Kanban principle, indicating that replenishment is needed. The empty ISO modular trays are scanned and restocked from the central warehouse.

This method ensures that there is never too much stock, but also never too little. In the nursing homes, the Kanban system has had a clearly positive impact on inventory management. Both residents and staff benefit from this system: the continuous availability of medications, medical supplies, and personal care products ensures the well-being of the residents, thereby enhancing their satisfaction. For staff, work becomes more structured and less stressful, allowing them to focus more on care and spend less time searching for and managing materials.

Additional benefits of the Kanban system:

1. Optimisation of stock levels: Materials are only reordered as needed, reducing storage costs.
2. Waste reduction: Clear organisation prevents expiration dates from being overlooked, ensuring products are used in time.
3. Increased efficiency: Staff can focus on their core tasks instead of managing inventory.
4. Transparency and clarity: Clear labelling and tracking make inventory easy to manage and maintain.
5. Shared responsibility: Any staff member can immediately replenish the operating stock with the reserve stock when needed, it is not the responsibility of a single person.