National Inventory Template
As part of the Reengineering our Supply and Service (RoSS) program of work, ARCBS has developed the National Inventory Template (NIT).
The NIT replaces previous systems used to collect and report internal (ARCBS) and external (transfusion laboratories) inventories and to communicate availability of blood components to transfusion laboratory customers.
The NIT improves equity of access to blood components across the country by providing component projections and stock availability, improving transparency of inventory to customers and stakeholders and providing direction for ARCBS component production.
Transparency of ARCBS and transfusion laboratory inventory levels are particular important in times of supply shortage.
The NIT is a nationally consistent system that will:
- Be linked nationally
- Communicate component stockholding, availability and any specific component shortages
- Report stock levels by ABO/Rh(D)
- Calculate the number of days stock cover for each component type and blood group
- Predict the inventory position of blood components 24 hours in advance, allowing interstate movement of inventory if required
- Monitor blood component supply to transfusion laboratories
- Guide sufficient inventory holdings based on the proximity to an ARCBS depot and the activities undertaken by a hospital or laboratory
As a result of considerable customer feedback on the original NIT since its implementation in July 2009, a reworked and enhanced version is due for release. NIT version 2 addresses more than 90% of issues raised in feedback. It will be released to transfusion laboratories and other stakeholders on Monday 26 October.
For further information about the NIT, click through for updated Quick Reference Guide and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).