CASE STUDY: Medical Equipment

CLIENT: Various

ORIGIN: Europe, USA, Asia, Far East.

DESTINATION: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Conventional and cutting-edge medical equipment and supplies have been sourced from a number of manufactures in the USA, UK and Europe, on behalf of Middle East hospitals and clinics. Price negotiations are conducted with suppliers, contracts agreed and all products consolidated into single shipments to our clients.

The key to success for this form of procurement / delivery is in the coordination of product supply from more than one source, for consolidation into a single, time-critical shipment. Particular dedication is also required when, as sometimes happens, a set of specialist equipment is required at very short notice for a complex surgical procedure. In such cases, arrangements can be made for personal collection of goods which are then documented for hand-carriage on scheduled flights.

LOGISTICS: One notable project required a combined shipment of 6 x 40ft. containers of medical carts to a prestige new private hospital, comprising over 660 pieces of 6 different types. Of these, 5 types were sourced from 5 different locations in the USA, whilst the sixth came from a Taiwanese manufacturer. Our client had identified two principal suppliers, and AOS Resource undertook all subsequent negotiations, purchase and shipping arrangements.

Each cart type had a particular material type and colour according to location and purpose. Individual carts were then specified on a modular-build basis, with accessories fitted according to function, such as wire basket types; accessory shelf layouts; different types of waste container; cardiac board; box holders; suction unit / drip holders. Thus almost every cart was of unique specification, requiring our very close attention to detail.

Once the order was finalised, and prices and delivery dates agreed, we remained in constant contact with all USA and Taiwanese suppliers to ensure that all specifications and dates were to be met. AOS Resource ensured containers were positioned and drew up all packing lists, invoices and customs documentation. To minimize transportation costs, we analysed a number of options, settling on consolidation at two hubs for goods from the 5 USA suppliers. Finally 4 containers from the USA and 2 from Taiwan were successfully shipped ahead of schedule to our client.

Having arranged delivery to the port of entry, all documentation was couriered to our client. This consisted of Commercial Invoices (legally certified), comprehensive Packing Lists , Product Conformity Certificates and all documents required for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia. We are proud that such a complex procurement and delivery project was delivered on time and that our client enjoyed the smoothest clearance through Customs.

ADVANTAGE: AOS Resource, in coordination with Air Ocean Services, can react to your requirements at a moment’s notice. With unrivalled flexibility, we can provide the logistics for a major consolidated sea shipment to a top-urgent personal delivery, and all else in between.

AOS Resource – your procurement partner