10 Key Supply Chain Steps

Coronavirus Vaccine Manufacturing and Distribution Initially Approved Vaccine 

1. Complete a full forecast with input from CDC, health care providers, and HHS, with State input. This will have to be developed for US only, then developed for international demand once other vaccines are approved. This is more or likely already been done based on reports of contracts with the US Government.

2. The manufacturer must have ordered long lead time items based on the bill of materials, and ensure that all materials have been approved by the FDA.

3. Procurement operations must develop at least 2-3 sources for all materials on the bill of materials. Flexible contract volumes and ability to ramp up production of suppliers must be established, along with real time ordering and updates.

4. Rough cut capacity estimates should be developed based on demand and forecasts, and the rough cut production schedules should be created.

5. All production materials should be reserved in inventory and ready for internal production availability.

6. End product packaging must be forecasted and orders placed.

7. Contracts with distribution networks should be established in at least 10 regions and major cities.

8. Just in time ordering mechanisms should be established for all known customers, with detailed instructions on volumes, schedules, and units of measure.

9. Full simulated supply chains should be tested with hard copy product in advance of pilot or full vaccine distribution, and this would include expected lead times from order point.

10. A-class safety stock and replenishment must be established throughout the supply chain.

A final rule: Don’t wait for the real thing to test the full capability of the supply chain.