In fact, without realizing it, there are several important parties involved in the health care supply chain. One of them is Berty Argiyantari, Deputy Director of Global Supply Chain at PT Kalbe Farma Tbk. Skilled with her knowledge of chemical engineering at Gadjah Mada University and her master’s degree in management at the University of Indonesia, she is ready to respond to the challenges of a noble job in serving the people of Indonesia.
Having practical experience in the area of operational management, she continues to develop her skills through the SBM ITB Doctoral Management Science Program. From her explanation, pharmaceutical products have their own characteristics essentially. As a consequence, the handling of one substance and another could be different. By designing the Lean Supply Chain strategy for the pharmaceutical supply chain, Berty introduces a new approach to the distribution of pharmaceutical products. “Basically, what I’ve been working on and doing the lean philosophy; a systematic method of doing more with less by removing waste from the process to provide higher value to the customer. It represents a journey that shifts the mindset into a value-added orientation. In this philosophy, people’s involvement and the culture of continuous improvement are the keys. By capitalizing on these philosophic values in the supply chain activities, the organization will be outperforming in all aspects of operation in the entire supply chain. Eliminating the non-added value activities along the value stream such as waiting time and extra processing is one of the research actions I’ve undertaken,” said the mother of two children.
According to her, the lean supply chain is essential to be adopted as the concept can be a catalyst for business enterprises to succeed in the world’s eyes. “Particularly in dealing with the 4.0 era, incorporating lean supply chain practice with the integrated digital technology could be seen as the potential solution to support companies for staying relevant. Database integration is increasingly sophisticated, giving rigorous connectivity, information sharing, and visibility that improve responsiveness, accuracy, speed, and timely delivery of products with lower costs. It will help organizations to convey value for achieving the competitive advantage and sustainability of the business”, said the woman who was born in the city of Lumpia.
In response to the tight global competition challenges, the recent competition is no longer between companies but within the supply chain. Berty predicts that the study of operations primarily in lean supply chain management will continue to evolve over time. A business with a leanness supply chain may significantly reduce the operating expenses across the value stream. Not only in the organization’s scope, Indonesia also needs to build reliable and skilled human capitals in lean supply chain management to improve competitiveness. Berty also urged the younger generation to continue contributing to the country and the state by equipping themselves with skill and knowledge. “Never stop learning. Never get tired of studying and developing our competency. My principle is that the sky is our limit. It all can be as long as there is a will. Nothing can’t be impossible!” she concluded.
