The Healthcare Hub

Top 10 Healthcare Supply Chain Predictions for 2026

• Kara L. Nadeau, Healthcare Industry Contributor

Introduction

The healthcare supply chain is entering a new phase of transformation. The urgent resiliency lessons of the past few years are now intersecting with rapid advances in AI, system interoperability, data integration and evolving care delivery models that extend well beyond the hospital walls. At the same time, financial pressure, workforce constraints, cyber risk and industry consolidation continue to test the limits of traditional operating models.

In this environment, the directive for 2026 is clear: build on the digital and organizational foundations laid in recent years and turn them into a secure and scalable advantage.

Here, members of the Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) leadership team share their predictions on the top 5 trends expected to shape the healthcare supply chain in 2026, and drive progress toward a more resilient, data-driven and collaborative future.

How Cloud and AI Are Transforming Healthcare Procurement

• Kara L. Nadeau, Healthcare Industry Contributor

Stakeholders to the healthcare supply chain have made tremendous strides in driving digital transformation in the technologies they employ, the processes they follow and the data they capture and use.

The shift from on-premise (on-prem) systems to cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS), most notably cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, has established the foundation for modernized supply chain management.

2025 Predictions vs. Reality: A Mid-Year Check-In

• Chris Luoma, Chief Strategy Officer

Advancements in technology and global economic uncertainties have combined to make 2025 an inflection point for healthcare supply chains. So far this year, the supply chain has continued to struggle against ongoing cycles of disruption and recovery along with the whiplash of economic conditions.

Essential Healthcare Supply Chain Innovations for Enhanced Efficiency

• Kara L. Nadeau, Healthcare Industry Contributor

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in healthcare supply chains, prompting a shift towards innovative solutions for enhanced resilience and efficiency. This post delves into Healthcare Supply Chain 2.0, showcasing how AI, automation, and advanced technologies like 3D printing are revolutionizing procurement, inventory management, and sustainability, ultimately reducing costs and improving patient care.

Inventory Count Uncovers $46 Million in Hidden Value at One Hospital

• Kara L. Nadeau, Healthcare Industry Contributor

Hospital inventory valuation typically includes supplies that are visible to the supply chain team; and therefore, consistently tracked and documented.

It is the vast number of supplies that fly under the radar, often hiding away in procedural areas (e.g., OR, Cath Lab) and other clinical departments (e.g., ED, L&D), that fall outside supply chain’s valuation.

The Hidden Cost of Expired Supplies: Lessons from Hospital Inventory Counts

• Kara L. Nadeau, Healthcare Industry Contributor

During inventory counts, hospital supply chain leaders are often surprised at the number of expired items that are found. Here are three real-world examples spanning large, medium and small healthcare organizations:

Clinical Integration Isn’t Optional, It’s the Future of Healthcare Supply Chains

Healthcare supply chain decisions that have a direct impact on patient care are too often made outside the view of physicians, nurses and clinical staff. When the right voices aren’t at the table, hospitals run the risk of swapping out critical devices without clinician input, introducing unnecessary variation and increasing costs for both patients and health systems.

Top 10 Healthcare Supply Chain Predictions for 2025

• Kara L. Nadeau, Healthcare Industry Contributor

The healthcare supply chain stands at a critical juncture. As the industry continues to adapt to an era defined by uncertainty, the lessons of recent years have illuminated both persistent vulnerabilities and extraordinary opportunities for transformation. From technological advancements like AI and predictive analytics to the expansion of care beyond hospital walls, the forces shaping 2025 demand a proactive, innovative approach.

Here, members of the Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) leadership team share their predictions on the top 10 trends expected to shape the healthcare supply chain in 2025 and drive progress toward a more agile, equitable and efficient future.

5 Reasons Value Analysis Governance Is Important and What’s at Stake Without It

• Kristin Motter RN, BSN, MBA, CVAHP, Manager of Strategic Sourcing and Value Analysis Consulting

Effective healthcare value analysis (HVA) governance is crucial for organizations aiming to optimize costs, enhance patient outcomes, and mitigate risks. Without a structured program in place, organizations may face a variety of challenges that can hinder both financial and operational performance. Below are five key reasons why value analysis governance is essential and the potential risks organizations face without it. 

4 to Do More: Automating Bill-Only Implant and Consignment Order Processes for Digital Transformation

• Susan LaFountain, Product Manager, Industry Adoption

Automating bill-only implant and consignment orders is a uniquely challenging initiative due to the complexity of inventory management, vendor coordination and the need for precise data integration. However, addressing small, impactful changes can lead to significant benefits for providers and suppliers alike.