2023 AHRMM Candidate Profile: David Farrall

David Farrall

Director of Healthcare
Huron Consulting Group
Chicago, IL

Describe the reasons why you would like to run for the Advisory Board.

AHRMM Is a great educational and leading organization that can move the needle In today's healthcare market. All hospital supply chains are facing the same issues from low patient reimbursements, old processes, outdated tech systems (ERPs, forecasting tools), allocations, supply disruptions, corrupted item master data and not changing with the times. Being part of the board would allow me to educate how data Is the most important tool for all leaders In the healthcare environment. With clean and correct data you can start with new processes and educate all staff to ask the question "Why do we do It this way and how can we change to better serve the staff and patients"?

Another reason I would love to be part of the AHRMM advisory board is the leadership and mentorships that all healthcare professionals seek and crave. Talking/learning/sharing with each other is the best way to effectively cause change and install improvements for the patients and hospital employees.

Describe why you are a good candidate for this leadership role.

My career in supply chain experience crosses many different industries, (manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, fashion, international buying, hospital supply chain) this keeps me open-minded and always looking for new solutions.

One example of my leadership role was implementing Workday Supply Chain ERP at Dayton Children’s Hospital (DCH). DCH was the 5th hospital to go live (April 2019) and only the 2nd with Pyxis units. I was the executive sponsor for this 9-month project and lead the cross-functional team (HR, Finance, Revenue, Logistics, Distribution, PM, and Procurement) to a very successful launch of the newer ERP to the market. DCH did not hire any backfill positions since this was handled internally. Being new to the role at DCH I had to learn the hospital culture and cross-functional leaders/staff to develop strong relationships and ensure my leadership was led by example.

After launching Workday ERP and closing out on the pandemic I started to ask the question “How can the DCH supply chain team use Workday and get ahead of the next disruption”? Strategic thinking came into play, and we launched two new programs.

1) Medline distributor management portal through Workday.

DCH can see the stocking levels at the Medline branch and verify all DEDs are being filled. Plus, when Medline is short in stock or just receiving items, this feeds right into the Workday Item master and shows all material managers of any issues.

2) Workday/Huron Demand Planning

There was a need after the pandemic to see OR supply shortages through the Workday system. DCH partnered with both Workday and Huron to develop my idea for demand planning. With the preference cards and scheduled cases, DCH can see what items are short or low in stock and be strategic in ordering through PAR or MIN/MAX changes. With supplier lead items always changing and this new system was able to identify any shortage and make sure the case was on schedule. My direction was always for this demand planning system that surgery is always very stressful on the family and patient. There will be NO postponement of any case due to supply shortages. This system was able to prove its worth in identifying missing surgical implants for two cases with enough time to order and process the items through SPD.

Describe where you see health care evolving, and what you see supply chain’s role being in those future models.

After, the pandemic all hospital supply chains have been given a seat at the executive table. With this shift in priorities, healthcare supply chains need to be strategic and forward-looking. Each supply chain leader needs to ensure everyone is ready for the next pandemic or disaster. This would include demand planning or bulk shipments and supply on-site not housed with a distributor. With this move, there needs to be new tech explored in the supply chain circle and make sure we effectively use change management.

How will your leadership and vision strengthen AHRMM?

AHRMM’s mission, strategy map, the future of the healthcare supply chain, and the CQO movement. Per my comment on question 3, this change to the supply chain department’s internal priority would affect all leadership/training strategic views. With the leadership, you have new staff education and change management for everyone to take part in. If the Hospital supply chains become prepared for the “NEXT EVENT” they could provide support to the community and patients at the next level of service. This is what I did at Dayton Children’s Hospital in supporting many off-site non-company customers with the leadership and development of the community.

Background

Active member of AHRMM for 5 year(s) (Total number of years as AHRMM member 5)

Years in healthcare: 10

Years worked in the healthcare supply chain profession: 10

Years worked in current position: 90 Days

Number of direct reports: 0

Number of employees in your department: 35

Describe your current position and responsibilities:

Healthcare Director @ Huron: Working with a blended team across internal departments to review operations and new Workday ERP streamlines. Pull in the correct Huron staff when needed and develop best-of-class service in the client Hospital supply chain area.

Service

List Annual Conferences, Leadership Training Conferences, and Thought Leader Summits attended, including dates and locations, within the past 5 years:

Workday Rising 2019
Workday Rising 2022
AHRMM conference 2022
Due to travel restrictions no other conference while at Dayton Children’s Hospital

Service to professional associations or community organizations to which you belong, including all committees, whether you served as a member or as chair, the year(s) of service, any elected offices held and the year(s) held:

Vizient Facilities and Construction Council, Jan - 2019 to March – 2023
Workday Healthcare Design Council, May – 2019 to March - 2023