Tracking people, processes and products in any location may be the fundamental and primary application of radio-frequency identification, real-time location systems and other wireless automation technologies, but a growing number of organizations are finding ways to expand the possibilities.

Skin damage due to pressure is not a pretty sight. The smell of a pressure sore can be worse. In times past, pressure ulcers most often have been associated with long-term care, but it’s come to light in recent years that pressure ulcers often have their beginnings in the operating room, particularly with operations that may take a long time, such as heart surgery.

While many would agree that Central Service professionals may still not receive the recognition and respect they deserve, it does appear that the technicians, supervisors, managers and directors who keep the cogs turning in the vital department are making some significant inroads, in terms of compensation.

Management improvement fads may come and go, but substantive, workable programs can accumulate, endure and lead to ultimate success. Such is the case with Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, two management improvement programs that have reformed operations outside of healthcare for decades at some high-profile companies. But how do you explain these programs for healthcare supply chain operations, extrapolating the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances that define and delineate them from other programs?