Mini course · Intermediate level
Healthcare Supply Chain & Inventory (ABC/VED)
The right supplies in the right place at the right time, without waste or stockouts.

What is Healthcare Supply Chain & Inventory (ABC/VED)?
Supplies are one of the largest costs in healthcare after staffing, and stockouts can directly harm patients. This course covers the healthcare supply chain, demand forecasting, ABC and VED analysis for prioritising items, reorder levels and par levels, storage and expiry management, cold chain basics, reducing waste and working with clinical teams on product standardisation.
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Lessons
- 5
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- Online, self-paced
What you'll be able to do
- Map the main stages of a healthcare supply chain
- Classify items using ABC and VED analysis
- Calculate reorder levels and safety stock for described items
- Set par levels for a clinical area
- Reduce expiry and waste through stock rotation
- Engage clinicians in product standardisation
Who this course is for
Course content
5 lessons · 1.5 hours total · free preview available
1The Healthcare Supply Chain
16 minFree preview· Course content
The Healthcare Supply Chain
From supplier to bedside.
2Prioritising With ABC and VED
20 min· Course content
Prioritising With ABC and VED
Available after you enroll.
3Reorder Levels and Safety Stock
20 min· Course content
Reorder Levels and Safety Stock
Available after you enroll.
4Storage, Expiry and Cold Chain
16 min· Course content
Storage, Expiry and Cold Chain
Available after you enroll.
5Standardisation and Value
18 min· Course content
Standardisation and Value
Available after you enroll.
Earn a credential employers can check
Every AIHCM credential has a unique ID that anyone can verify online in seconds.
Issued: on completion
How it works
- Finish all 5 lessons at your own pace.
- Get your digital credential with a unique ID.
- Share it — employers can verify it at aihcm.us.
Questions people ask
What is VED analysis?
Classifying items as Vital, Essential or Desirable based on clinical criticality.
Why combine ABC and VED?
ABC shows cost; VED shows clinical importance. Together they guide how tightly each item is controlled.
Does it cover pharmacy stock?
Yes. The principles apply to medicines and medical supplies.
Is it useful for small clinics?
Yes. Par levels and reorder points work at any scale.
