Benchmark Report Identifies Fundamental Risks in Sterile Processing Operations

A new industry benchmark report warns that human error, inventory gaps, and limited data visibility continue to undermine surgical readiness. It captures insights from more than 100 sterile processing department (SPD) and operating room (OR) leaders nationwide.

The report, published by Aesculap, Inc. and Ascendco Health, found that 76% of those leaders cite human error as the biggest challenge in tracking surgical instruments. Another 58% reported surgery delays caused by instrument sets that were missing, incomplete, or not ready on time.

The 2025 Surgical Asset Management Industry Benchmark Report highlights overwhelming support for modernization as more than 85% of respondents said real-time visibility into the location of trays and instruments would have a major or transformational impact on hospital operations. Outdated workflows, growing case complexity, and insufficient data systems are straining SPDs nationwide, researchers said.

“This report validates what we hear from surgical teams every day,” said Brian Reed, CEO of Ascendco Health. “The lack of real-time data and standardized workflows is holding back performance.”

The report calls on hospitals to invest in digital tracking tools, strengthen workflows, and better support overburdened technicians. It emphasizes that OR performance and patient safety depend on back-end processes that might receive less attention and funding than frontline clinical care.

“When hospitals prioritize data integrity, visibility, and digital transformation, it positions them to better minimize case delays and improve patient outcomes,” said Alan Stout, vice president, strategic sales for Aesculap.

Emerging technologies like RFID-enabled trays, smart tracking platforms, and automated data dashboards can enable growth even as SPD teams grapple with staffing shortages. But analysts say that hospitals that fail to upgrade could see mounting problems, including more delays, more compliance risks, and greater strain on already taxed surgical schedules.