Improvement of the procurement of medical supplies and applications of technology in the rendering of forensic pathology services

Abstract

The Gauteng Forensic Pathology services have always and will continue to play a major role in the investigation and solving of unnatural deaths. Highly trained professionals work around the clock to keep up with the vast amount of cases and unnatural deaths that needs to be investigated throughout the province. While systems and processes are in place they have not been investigated from an engineering perspective and seem to have a lot of potential problems and or inefficiencies. Coupling this with the crime rate spiraling out of control, government mismanagement, and a police service that is not up to standard, it is clear that the emphasis on these investigations must be to work towards optimal efficiency. The main project consists of 3 parts. These parts include the following: The development of a central warehouse management system Business Intelligence, coupled with forecasting, technology and software to help the central warehouse manager with the receiving and shipping of items Technological applications that can be applied within the Forensic Pathology Services Extensive research was done in order to obtain the actual problems as well as possible solutions. It was found that there are currently no warehouse management systems in place. This led to an unorganized and inefficient central warehouse. Different areas were looked at and suggestions, including a new layout, were made. A simple moving average forecasting method was used to help the manager with the procurement of items. Software was also used to enable the warehouse manager to present the data to the management board in such a way that the performance of the warehouse and the relevant items could be used to make valuable decisions With regards to the technological applications, RFID and bar coding technology were looked at. It was found that bar coding is the best choice, with regards to my project, and that it could be implemented in 2 areas: Inventory management within the central warehouse Police data filing system A complete bar coding system that only costs R35700 is suggested. This system will ensure that the warehouse manager obtains complete control of the central warehouse and its various items. Implementing bar coding technology, together with a central database, will increase the efficiency and accuracy of investigations. All of the previously mentioned suggestions and recommendations could make an extensive impact towards ensuring that the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services continue to strive to serve the public in the best possible way