Supply chain management significantly impacts the quality and cost of access to health commodities. However, many countries rely on insufficiently trained personnel to manage inventories and place replenishment orders. This can result in depleted stocks of lifesaving drugs, expensive emergency deliveries and the endangerment of patients’ lives. Conversely, over-supply can lead to product waste when drugs expire before patients can access them.

To demonstrate the consequences of different inventory management practices and train staff on basic and advanced supply chain management, CSHOR developed an Excel-based tool that simulates a full linear supply chain from the producer to the last distribution point. The model captures a variety of important concepts for operational supply chain managers, such as delivery lead time, product shelf life, delivery pack size, consumption volatility, and supply chain coordination across different levels. In addition, the tool allows the user to test and optimize different inventory management strategies.

The supply chain simulation tool is freely available and will be used by CHAI and Ministries of Health to train staff in charge of supply chain management of health commodities. Individuals and public health organizations with questions regarding this tool should contact Yann Le Tallec.