How in 2001 B. Braun's supply chain had to respond to a crisis which led to highly engineered metal instruments being replaced by disposable plastics.

The tonsillectomy tale

From surgical tools to obstetric instruments, personalised colostomy bags to hip implants, the UK's National Health Service requires an astonishing number of products to be manufactured, delivered and routinely managed. What happens behind the scenes to ensure the systems function smoothly? This album focuses on the different roles of B.Braun, a large supplier of medical equipment which also provides customised services for patients. In this time-critical setting, their supply chain processes must be organised with scrupulous efficiency. This material forms part of The Open University course T882 Supply chain innovation, strategy and management.