Computerized material management, inventory control, and purchase orders in the clinical laboratory.

The management of supplies, purchase orders, and equipment is of critical importance to the operation of the clinical laboratory. The InvMan software program has reduced hands-on time for performing the counting of inventory and the time required to generate purchase orders. These changes save the laboratory about $11,170 per year in personnel costs. While the use of a structured system does impose some constraints on the user, the program has helped the laboratory organize all of its supply, vendor, location, PO, and equipment data. It has allowed the laboratory to respond more rapidly and accurately to inquiries related to inventory. The varied functions of InvMan provide flexibility to the laboratory and permit it to define the inventory as best fits a particular situation. The application is well suited to its target audience. The program has performed well, allowing the laboratory to make significant improvements to its material management system.