A leading supplier of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and related safety solutions offers not only the devices themselves, but also maintenance and service to ensure the AEDs are always operational. The company focuses on sectors such as schools, sports facilities, hospitals and commercial buildings, where the availability of a properly functioning AED can be crucial to saving lives.

The biggest challenge for this company is to manage the life cycle of thousands of AED devices. This includes not only the initial distribution of the devices, but also the periodic recall for inspection, possible refurbishment and then return to the customer, while complying with all legal requirements for maintenance.

This company faced a number of logistical challenges:

1. Serialized inventory management: Each AED device must be uniquely tracked through the entire fulfillment process, from shipping to maintenance and any replacement of parts.

2. Periodic inspections and maintenance: AEDs must be inspected regularly to meet regulatory safety standards. This required a system to recall devices for inspection and maintenance in a timely manner.

3. Refurbishment: Some equipment required repair or replacement of parts before it could be returned to the customer. This had to be done quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime.

4. Fast and reliable return logistics: Returning devices for inspections and repairs had to be seamless, with no delays for end customers.

Using the software Cosmos, developed by the logistics provider, each AED device could be accurately tracked from the moment it entered the warehouse to its final return after inspection. This system provided insight into the status of each device, which was crucial for safety compliance and quality control.

Cosmos was also used to automatically schedule periodic inspections. The system detected when a piece of equipment needed maintenance and ensured that customers were informed in a timely manner. This minimized the risk of non-operational equipment in the field and increased product reliability.

The logistics provider also performed refurbishments for the returned devices. This included replacing essential components such as batteries and electrodes, as well as performing functional tests to ensure the integrity of the devices. After refurbishment, the devices were certified and shipped back to the customer.

The service provider provided a smooth process of picking up, inspecting, repairing and returning the AED devices. This minimized downtime for customers and ensured prompt return of fully operational devices, increasing customer satisfaction.

This case study demonstrates how a strategic partnership with a specialized logistics provider can help solve the complex challenges of AED distribution. By focusing on serialized processes, automated maintenance scheduling, and efficient refurbishments, a company can maintain the highest standards of product reliability and customer satisfaction.