Collaboration in the supply chain: challenges and opportunities of collaborative planning in the healthcare sector

Abstract

The article addresses the theme of collaboration in the healthcare supply chain, and specifically, the implementation of collaborative planning known as CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment). Through qualitative research, this study compares CPFR practices in the healthcare supply chain with the existing literature. The analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of implementating CPFR and examines how practices align with established theories. The article also addresses the main barriers to successful implementation of collaborative planning in the healthcare supply chain. Additionally, it offers an in-depth view of the observed practices which can benefit academics, professionals, and companies interested in improving collaboration within the healthcare supply chain. The study emphasizes the importance of staying aware of the ongoing evolution of collaborative planning as well as revisiting existing theoretical models in order to account for new demands and emerging solutions in light of current conditions.