What separates UNICAS from the competition is the approach we take to medical supply chain management, our systems go far beyond just application-specific storage. Our combination of Lean manufacturing practices and Kanban item management makes all the difference. The UNICAS system is engineered to integrate seamlessly with your operation and scale sustainably as your business’s needs grow.
The Elements of the UNICAS System
Lean manufacturing was first pioneered by Toyota to minimize waste and maximize productivity. We’ve evolved this approach for use in acute care environments. Our experts collaborate with team members to analyze your facility’s specific needs so that you get the exact right storage products installed where they can be most efficiently used. By following a Lean philosophy and process, you will see immediate benefits for your nurses, supply technicians, and most importantly your bottom line.
Kanban is a Japanese word meaning “card” or “ticket” and has been adapted by businesses the world over as a signaling system to trigger action. At UNICAS, we utilize inventory organization through a made-to-order two-compartment Kanban solution. Based on historical usage data, we establish initial PAR inventory levels to ensure stock for a given time period. PAR quantities are then placed into our high density storage units which are divided into two equally sized compartments: Main and Backup. As nurses need supplies, they pull from the Main compartment. Supply technicians review physical storage areas for empty Main compartments and record them via handheld device. As stock is replenished, Backup is moved first to Main, and then new supplies are placed in Backup.
