Interview: NHS Supply Chain
Name: Michael Lyons
Job Title: Inventory and Supplier Performance
Manager
Company: NHS Supply Chain
How long have you worked for NHS Supply Chain?
10 years
How long have you worked as a Inventory and Supplier
Performance Manager?
7 years
During your time in this field, what changes have you
seen?
There has been a move from manual process to electronic and
automated information flow.
Is it very different from when you first started out? How has
the industry changed in regards to supply chain planning?
There has been a dramatic change internally from when I first
started out however the core discipline has remained the same,
which is that NHS Supply chain provides the best value for money
and the highest level of service that it can afford, given the
financial constraints.
A good example is that my team has removed £23 million of stock
from our part of the supply chain over the last four years whilst
improving service levels for customers.
How has your job changed as a result?
The challenges I face are always new. The balance has changed
with the focus moving from internal resolution of issues to
externally - whether it be customers or suppliers. The next
frontier!
What is your opinion on the future of Supply Chain
Planning?
Better integration across systems to enable costs to be removed
and services to be improved.
What personal challenges do you face on a day to day basis in
your job?
Keeping on top of emails.
Also, the integration of systems with key suppliers.
How do you overcome these?
Using B2B tools such as integrated ERP systems and web based
technology
What software packages do you use to assist you with your
job?
What is your hot tip to others who do a similar job to
you?
Talk! Open and constructive dialogue across all parts of the
supply chain where appropriate.