Inhance and Clicks Partner to deliver chronic medication to the home
The Clicks/Inhance Supply Chain solution showcases the application of software and technology integration to optimise the last mile delivery problem in the chronic medication, pharma industry in SA and has been running over 3 years to date. Inhance has been the technology partner to Clicks enabling the delivery of scheduled chronic medication, including diabetes medication, for over 3 years in SA.
Clicks Direct Medicines or CDM is a medication delivery service carried out by Clicks on behalf of several medical aids in SA; prescribing and delivering chronic medication around the country throughout the year. The problem that needed to be solved is how does CDM best meet its service levels with the medical aids in terms of medication deliveries at the best possible price point.
We implemented an integrated solution: the first part being, smart address validation which ensures the integrity and verification of delivery addresses received through Clicks numerous order channels. The solution also enables the customisation of delivery parameters; hubs; polygons and configuration of the entire network on a real-time basis.
The second part of the solution is a responsive and fit for purpose middleware solution that manages the order status updates through the various stages of the order lifecycle, from origin to closure.
The decentralised proximity delivery model is enabled using the Zeno Scheduling solution where drivers are equipped with devices which receive, navigate, and complete their deliveries through an electronic workflow. Route optimisation results in cost, fuel and emissions savings.
The continuous improvement efforts for hub optimisation over the period has seen a 22% reduction in the fixed hub infrastructure and overhead cost to service the national client footprint, ultimately providing the best courier to driver delivery mix, and thereby reducing the fleet by 31%.
