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Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Yasmina Maïzi and Ygal Bendavid

Assess the realistic impacts of implementing an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Internet of Things (IoT) uniforms’ distribution system for managing medical personnel’s…

553

Abstract

Purpose

Assess the realistic impacts of implementing an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Internet of Things (IoT) uniforms’ distribution system for managing medical personnel’s scrubs in operating rooms. The authors use a hybrid simulation framework to address the following objectives and challenges: a) reduce and control operating rooms’ level of inventory; b) stabilize scrubs’ demand and c) improve infection control and prevention of cross-contamination (through scrubs over manipulation and hoarding).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a Design Science approach. This methodological approach is used to design, develop, create and evaluate information technology “artifacts” (e.g. constructs, models, methods and instantiations) intended to solve organizational problems and make research contributions (Peffers et al., 2007). More specifically, the authors follow the Design Science Research Methodology process model which includes six steps: problem identification and motivation, definition of the objectives for a solution, design and development, demonstration, evaluation, and communication.

Findings

To assess the realistic impacts of implementing an RFID-IoT uniforms’ distribution system for managing medical personnel’s scrubs in operating rooms, the authors adopted a design science approach and initiated the research by documenting the business case and reviewed the existing literature to build a comparative analysis of existing uniforms’ distribution systems. The authors used a hybrid simulation model to assess the impact of three business cases: present mode of operation, implementing smart shelves or the smart distributors. The authors show that smart dispensers allow a greater control on scrubs’ utilization while eliminating the cross-contamination of the medical personnel.

Practical implications

Through this research study, the authors provide hospitals’ managers a scientific support for uniforms’ (scrubs) distribution process improvement. The authors use a hybrid simulation model to compare innovative solutions for uniforms’ distribution systems in the form of “smart cabinets” supported by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and choose the most appropriate design for the hospital to meet two main challenges: a) inefficiency of uniform replenishment-distribution system and b) noncompliancy with infection control regulations caused by the distribution system.

Originality/value

From a methodological perspective, this paper addresses concerns from researchers calling quantitative research methods and using case-based research strategy to address IoT issues and assess the system in practice. From a broader point of view, this work confirms the predominant interest of RFID-IoT research work in the arena of supply chain management and logistics as the technology is used for tracking purpose and for monitoring applications. It is also one response to the research community suggesting that “hospitals should evaluate the medical effectiveness of the new technologies as well as the cost before adoption”.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Afrooz Moatari-Kazerouni and Ygal Bendavid

Since mid-2000s, hospitals have begun implementing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in order to improve their operations. The purpose of this paper is to explore…

1785

Abstract

Purpose

Since mid-2000s, hospitals have begun implementing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in order to improve their operations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of RFID technology in improving the traceability of surgical instruments in a hospital environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is conducted at a teaching hospital in Montreal, Canada. Business process reengineering approach and simulation techniques are used to assess the realistic potential of the RFID technology. The application of different scenarios and how they influence the efficiency of process flow between the central sterilization department and operating rooms of the hospital is investigated.

Findings

Research outcomes demonstrated how tagging individual instruments or their sets lead to reduction of the time spent in re-processing the soiled instrument as well as the reduction of costs related to staff. Furthermore, specific key performance indicators are identified and eventual issues related to implementation of the re-designed processes are discussed.

Originality/value

Implementing RFID-enabled solutions in hospital context is still an emerging phenomenon that involves various stakeholders in a change management project. While implementing RFID technology can benefit hospitals by improving business processes and workflows, the adoption is still slow, especially for managing surgical instruments. It is, hence, crucial to compare the advantages and drawbacks of RFID-enabled surgical instruments solutions with other well-established traceability technologies such as barcoding.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2010

Ygal Bendavid, Harold Boeck and Richard Philippe

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a hospital nursing unit that has evaluated and approved a two‐bin “e‐kanban” replenishment system based on passive high…

5018

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a hospital nursing unit that has evaluated and approved a two‐bin “e‐kanban” replenishment system based on passive high frequency radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study analysis is based on both qualitative and quantitative data that were collected using semi‐structured interviews, on‐site observations and experience from previous implementations. The data and simulation analysis presented in this paper were validated by key respondents thereby increasing their reliability.

Findings

Results indicate that implementing the e‐kanban RFID solution in conjunction with the redesign of the ward floor and of the roles and functions can substantially improve business and operational performance. The most important benefits for the hospital are derived from the time saved from non‐value‐added activities that can be transferred to patient care activities and the significant reduction of on‐hand inventory at distributed storage locations. The solution is considered an alternative that requires less initial investment than RFID‐enabled cabinets used in the replenishment of consignment and high‐value supplies in operating rooms and cardiac catheterization laboratories.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to conduct further research on RFID supply chain management (SCM) applications in the healthcare sector as this area holds a great potential for performance improvements. Additionally, there is a need to conduct more in‐depth research into the isolated impact of RFID technology in comparison to the change management and process redesign that it generates. One key limitation of this research is the case study approach based on a single case. This paper, therefore provides direction for practitioners on how to assess RFID's potential impact in the healthcare supply chain.

Originality/value

While most of the research on RFID in healthcare sector focuses on active RFID technology for asset management, this research presents a novel RFID application and contributes to our understanding of RFID's potential in intra‐organizational SCM processes.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 9 October 2009

Harold Boeck, Ygal Bendavid and Elisabeth Lefebvre

The purpose of this paper is to explore a central issue in industrial marketing, namely the buyer‐seller relationship, by focusing on how its development influences and is…

5362

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a central issue in industrial marketing, namely the buyer‐seller relationship, by focusing on how its development influences and is influenced by the use of B2B e‐commerce strategies. More specifically, the paper aims at identifying what kinds of B2B electronic interactions are imposed by influential buyers; exploring the link between these electronic interactions and the buyer‐seller relationship; and seeing how influential buyers and SME suppliers adapt their own strategies in this online environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi‐case study methodology was used to allow for rich data collection and analysis and to support the discovery of patterns.

Findings

The results indicate that large buyers use specific e‐commerce processes and tools for the different relationships they have with their SME suppliers. The latter must adapt to these requirements to attain the next relationship level or risk forfeiting their established position. When a supplier reaches the new level, other requirements arise, forcing it to continuously adapt its e‐commerce strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The model proposed in this paper can serve as a tool to align B2B e‐commerce strategies and buyer‐seller relationship levels.

Practical implications

Some SME suppliers have developed a competitive advantage by going through this cycle faster than their competitors. The following relationship stages were observed: pre‐relationship, spot relationship and contractual relationship. Interestingly, there was no collaboration stage in the relationships studied.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to an understanding of the link between electronic interactions and the buyer‐seller relationship. Its information is particularly relevant to organizations that transact or plan on transacting electronically with clients or suppliers in a B2B setting.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 24 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 9 November 2010

Samuel Fosso Wamba, Joseph Barjis and Akemi Takeoka Chatfield

1289

Abstract

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

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