Integrated Supply Chain Model Delivers on Transportation Services

A key element to ROi's Supply Chain Solutions division is a sophisticated transportation and logistics function that includes one of the largest regional transportation fleets in the U.S. With more than 70 vehicles servicing 1,600 delivery locations, ROi's logistics network uses global positioning software to dynamically track and route vehicles, and includes real-time package tracking software to identify an order at any given time.

"A critical part of an effective lab is getting the test results to the right people at the right time and ROi's services help make this happen," explains Sheila Tod, Executive Director, Laboratory for Mercy. Tod oversees laboratory specimens and the delivery of test results to and from Mercy facilities. "Our onsite lab directors consistently share the important role ROi drivers play in the success of our operations. They not only provide great customer service, but they're friendly and hospitable and understand our clinic and lab needs."

Tod explains, "ROi provides many benefits including saving time as our clinics do not have to manage multiple billing for deliveries and pick up."

She adds, "We also benefit from an expertise in logistics through ROi's consulting services. We are working on a lab optimization project with ROi to analyze the best options to improve lab turnaround times."

In addition to transporting specimens for Mercy clinics, ROi handles deliveries for mail, x-rays, medical, lab and pharmaceutical supplies, medical instruments and linens.

A large part of ROi's transportation operations includes carrier services (over-the-road, LTL and TL) from ROi's 100,000-square-foot Consolidated Services Center in Springfield, MO, which manages 5,000 SKUs of medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Combined with distribution services, ROi's transportation delivers consolidated orders to Mercy acute care facilities and physician clinics, and provides back-haul services for suppliers.

"One of the greatest benefits to having access to a provider-owned transportation service is flexibility," concludes Tod. "ROi can respond quickly to the needs of its customers, and a great example of this is their work in Joplin, MO following the May 22 tornado that devastated the area."