Overview:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stockpiled large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the public in case of a health emergency, whether it be a terrorist attack, disease outbreak, or natural disaster. If Federal and local authorities agree that the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is needed, supplies can start being delivered in 12 hours. But once the supplies are delivered, the state is responsible for distribution to the specific areas that require assistance. Depending on the situation, delivery may be required at only one or a few specific locations, or throughout the state.

The State of Ohio's Department of Health has implemented a system that supports the orderly process of distributing critical medication and medical equipment under stressful conditions to avert widespread disorder. Said to be the first agency to do so in the country, the team at Ohio has implemented a complete warehouse management system (WMS) that includes software from Integrated Warehousing Solutions (IWS), wireless handhelds from Psion Teklogix, and bar code printers from Zebra Technologies Corp.

One important element of the new WMS is its built-in Decision Support System (DSS). The DSS functionality provides a boost in productivity along with assurance that the special handling procedures required in the pharmaceuticals industry are followed. The DSS helps boost productivity while ensuring regulations compliance. The DSS's decision algorithms provide the basis for the overall WMS's ability to provide greater control, accuracy, and efficiency.

A new WMS with built-in decision support helps the state of Ohio improve productivity and accuracy and enables the deployment of critical supplies throughout the state in case of emergency.