“Every minute counts – How a medical technology company revolutionized the availability of critical spare parts”
Problem
Transparency for MedTech spare parts
A global manufacturer of diagnostic imaging systems (e.g., MRI, CT, X-ray) had a problem with potentially dramatic consequences: the availability of critical spare parts was not reliably guaranteed—and this for devices that save lives every day in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. Long delivery times, a lack of inventory transparency, and regional scheduling errors regularly led to costly equipment failures.
The Decision: The company decided to revamp its entire spare parts logistics using an AI-based transparency platform. The goal: a global, real-time overview of parts availability, remaining service life, maintenance histories, and warehouse movements—combined with automatic risk assessment and intelligent replenishment suggestions. Particularly important: maximum reliability with minimal inventory.
Solution
Using a combination of digital twins, predictive analytics, and generative AI, a system was created that accurately calculated both current and future needs. The platform linked technical device data (usage, age, location, error history) with global warehouse and shipping information. An agent-based AI continuously monitored all movements and automatically intervened when impending supply bottlenecks were detected.
Benefit
The result:
- 41% faster delivery of critical spare parts
- 27% reduction in global inventory
- 32% fewer device failures thanks to proactive replenishment
- Over 95% spare parts availability for emergency callouts
- Improved patient safety and enhanced image for hospitals
Particularly effective: In one specific case, AI identified a potential shortage of spare parts for an MRI series in Southeast Asia—triggered by an unexpected accumulation of error codes. Within 48 hours, a special delivery was organized from a European warehouse before any downtime occurred.
The learning: In medical technology, availability is not a key performance indicator—it is a promise. AI not only enables transparency, but also creates operational intelligence that identifies risks before they exist. Those who deliver in healthcare must not only be on time—they must think ahead. AI makes this possible.
Quote from the project: „Früher haben wir Ersatzteile verwaltet – heute sichern wir medizinische Versorgung in Echtzeit.“ – Director Global Service Logistics, MedTech Group