A Supply-Chain-Centric Symposium

While the 2022 MPO Summit doesn’t have a specific theme attributed to the event, a quick look at the agenda certainly reveals a common thread. Medtech’s supply chain is, without question, a main focus for the conference. It mirrors the industry at large, which is primarily concerned with the challenges involved with component shortages and supply partners struggling to meet demand due to material unavailability or labor shortcomings. Logistics has also become an issue with ports overwhelmed and products not being delivered in a time-sensitive manner. It all creates an industry hungry for solutions.

With this in mind, the agenda for this year’s event covers the topic from various angles, hoping attendees find value and can walk away with a few best practices they can try to implement into their own procedures to improve timelines as much as possible.

The primary attention being given to the supply chain struggles will originate from the three panel discussions spread throughout the Summit and the workshop that will end day two.

During the morning of the first day, the panel, The Medtech Supply Chain: Reworking the Equation (moderated by David Mabie, President of CincyMED), will feature representatives from three major medical device manufacturers—BD, Intuitive Surgical, and Zimmer Biomet. In addition, they will be joined by a member of the team at UPS Healthcare who will likely be able to share insights on the logistics aspect. Further, one of the largest medical device outsourcing partners—Flex—will also have a person on the panel to discuss their side of the equation.

In the afternoon on the same day, Chris Oleksy will moderate another discussion that speaks to the way firms can leverage their supply chain relationships to help alleviate the challenges they are facing. Chris has enjoyed a long career in supply chain roles, and has written and presented on the topic numerous times for MPO. His panel will consist of representatives from “both sides of the aisle”—OEMs and contract manufacturers—to discuss the ways in which they are addressing problems within the scope of the partnership between them.

The second day’s panel will look to tackle the topic of nearshoring, a subject that’s always been in the background but was made prominent as logistical problems really flared during the pandemic. As such, many began to wonder if their supply chains —specifically, the manufacturing location of those companies—was a cause of concern for the fabrication of their products. The panel (moderated by Dave Sheppard, managing director of MedWorld Advisors) will bring together a collection of representatives from different regions where nearshoring could take place. They will discuss the pros and cons of companies making a move, what to consider, and factors that may be overlooked.

Day two (and the Summit itself) will come to a close following a comprehensive workshop focused on the supply chain. Returning to the stage will be Oleksy, moderator from the first day, to bring his SCHAIN101 lessons to those in attendance. SCHAIN101 is a fact-based, case-study approach built on Chris’ 40 years of experience to assist and mentor organizations on the application of world-class supply chain “art and science.” The workshop is open to all registered visitors and will provide ample insights for anyone to find ways in which to improve their organization’s procedures.

While supply chain will be a focal point for the conference, it will not be the only subject matter covered. As always, the agenda will begin with an overview of the host region and the medtech manufacturing landscape (as well as the support network) within. The next session will provide insights on the medtech manufacturing industry at large, including M&A activity, FDA and legislative impacts, and other factors affecting the sector. Further, another session will address the labor shortage and how companies can attempt to improve their situation with that aspect.

MITRE will send two of its cybersecurity experts to discuss how this rapidly growing problem is wreaking havoc on healthcare providers and offer suggestions on how medical device manufacturers can try to help the situation through the development of their connected technologies.

Operational efficiency will be addressed from two different perspectives, as Michael Maxon of Duggan Associates speaks to creating flow in high variety environments, while Christine Kattappuram of Veeva Systems discusses Quality 4.0 and the advantages of considering a holistic approach to Industry 4.0.

Finally, Tom Wilmering of Mold Metis will answer the question of how “smart” your medical device should be. He will reveal strategies to determine what features should be incorporated into your next medical device and what to leave out.

Gain more insight about the event at www.mposummit.com. 

Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]