What I learned at this meeting was how much you can learn from your peers, if you just take time to talk to them. For instance, I facilitated a discussion between the association’s members on ideas for joint ventures between their hospitals or systems in areas that their GPOs don’t cover or have a weak offering.  When one of the participants asked if it would be a good idea to joint venture with industries in her region too on energy, maintenance supplies, snow removal, etc., I thought this was a brilliant idea that no one had thought of until she raised the subject. 

That’s what learning from your peers with pride is all about! It’s about taking the time to go to your association’s meetings and conferences (regional and national), so that you can talk to your peers about what they are doing, thinking and planning to improve their supply chain management.

There is no better way to invest your time that I can think of to keep you on top of your supply chain game.  It’s like having a business support group that is always ready to answer your questions, discuss your problems and give you new ideas to make your job easier and more fun.