[Materials management system in interventional radiology -- initial experience with a computer-supported program].
OBJECTIVE
To perform a cost analysis for assessing options of reorganizing material supplies and reducing costs of the radiology division through the introduction of a materials management system.


METHODS
A materials management system (Piranha, Boston Scientific) was installed on an existing computer system. All consumables were inventoried and entered into the system. An ABC analysis determined further action. On the basis of order frequencies and availability requirements for emergencies, safety levels were agreed with physicians and other medical staff. Inventory costs were computed using these data. The interest rate for the capital tied up in the inventory was 8 % per year.


RESULTS
The inventory showed that the capital tied up in stocks was euro 260,000 in 2001 and euro 190,000 in 2002. A change in supply strategy reduced inventory cost in 2001 and 2002. Annual interest expense was lowered by euro 18,420. Another saving of euro 2,700 was achieved by a reduction in storage cost. Annual inventory turnover totaled euro 298,000. The total cost cut through improved inventory management was euro 21,120 per year, which is equivalent to 7 % of the annual expenses. Adding the decline in the cost of shelf time overruns equal to 5 % of the annual expenses, the saving was approximately 12 % of total interventional radiology cost in 2001 and some 11 % in 2002.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible supply strategies and the introduction of a materials management program can help to reduce inventory costs in interventional radiology divisions without any impact on service levels.
Clevert
D-A
DA
Institut für klinische Radiologie, Klinikum der Universität-Grosshadern, München. Clevert@web.de
Jung
E M
EM
Reiser
M
M
Rupp
N
N
D003199:Computer Systems; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005103:Expert Systems; D006801:Humans; D007445:Inventories, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D008421:Materials Management, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D015642:Radiology, Interventional / Q000191:economics*; D012449:Safety
Materialverwaltung in der interventionellen Radiologie -- erste Erfahrungen mit einem computergestützten Programm.