How AI Can Help Reduce Stock Wastage in GP Surgeries

Introduction

Managing stock levels in a GP surgery is a delicate balancing act. Ordering too little can result in supply shortages that disrupt patient care, while ordering too much leads to unnecessary waste and financial loss.

Stock wastage is a major issue in healthcare, with expired or unused consumables costing GP surgeries more than they realise. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now transforming how medical supplies are managed by optimising ordering, reducing excess stock, and preventing waste.

In this article, we explore how AI-powered procurement systems like Medulla AI can help GP surgeries cut down on waste, improve efficiency, and save money.

The Problem with Stock Wastage in GP Surgeries

GP practices rely on a wide range of medical consumables, from gloves and aprons to diagnostic kits and wound dressings. Without proper inventory management, the following problems can arise:

• Expired stock: Over-ordering leads to supplies sitting on shelves past their expiration date.
• Over-purchasing: Buying more than necessary ties up cash flow and storage space.
• Emergency reordering: Running out of stock results in last-minute, often more expensive, purchases.
• Lack of tracking: Without real-time visibility, practices may reorder items they already have in surplus.

AI-powered procurement solutions address these issues by using data-driven insights to improve stock management.

How AI Reduces Stock Wastage

1. Demand Forecasting to Prevent Overordering
   AI analyses historical usage patterns and seasonal trends to predict future supply needs accurately. Instead of ordering based on guesswork, GP surgeries can purchase just the right amount of stock, reducing excess and preventing waste.
2. Real-Time Inventory Tracking
   Traditional stock management often relies on manual checks or outdated records, leading to errors. AI-powered systems provide real-time visibility into stock levels, allowing staff to monitor supply usage and avoid unnecessary reorders.
3. Automated Reordering at Optimal Levels
   Instead of waiting until stock runs low or manually checking supplies, AI-driven systems can automatically place orders when inventory reaches a pre-set threshold. This prevents both stock shortages and excessive stockpiling.
4. Expiry Date Monitoring
   AI-based procurement systems track expiry dates on medical supplies, ensuring that older stock is used first. This reduces the risk of wasted items and helps maintain compliance with safety regulations.
5. Supplier Price and Stock Comparison
   AI helps identify the best-priced suppliers while considering delivery times and stock reliability. This allows GP surgeries to order in quantities that align with both budget constraints and real demand, preventing over-purchasing.

The Benefits of AI-Powered Stock Management for GP Surgeries

• Reduces expired and wasted stock, saving money
• Optimises order quantities, preventing unnecessary purchases
• Improves cash flow by ensuring budget is spent efficiently
• Saves time by automating stock monitoring and procurement
• Enhances supply chain reliability, preventing shortages and delays

Final Thoughts

AI is transforming how GP surgeries manage their medical supplies by eliminating stock wastage, optimizing ordering, and reducing costs. With an AI-powered system like Medulla AI, practices can ensure they have the right supplies at the right time—without unnecessary waste.

Want to reduce stock wastage and improve procurement efficiency? Contact Medulla Supplies today to learn how AI can streamline your supply management.