Bermuda Hospitals Board Relies on DCS for DC Design, Network Optimization

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) manages Bermuda’s public healthcare system, operating two key facilities:
- King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget Parish
- Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute in Devonshire Parish
These institutions rely on a complex supply chain with multiple off-site storage locations to deliver critical healthcare services.
Project Background
With the DCS consulting team, BHB launched a two-phase initiative to optimize its supply chain by:
- Designing a centralized, scalable distribution center (DC) to consolidate materials and support growth through 2029.
- Conducting a comprehensive network assessment to enhance operational efficiency, technology integration, and performance.
Phase I: Distribution Center Design
DCS developed a modern, future-ready distribution center design to meet BHB’s operational needs. Key activities included:
- Data Analysis: Evaluated historical stock keeping unit (SKU) velocity, inventory levels, and order flows to forecast facility requirements.
- Conceptual Layout: Designed distinct zones for receiving, storage, picking, packing, and inventory control.
- Technology Evaluation: Assessed order fulfillment methods (OFMs), identifying opportunities for automation (e.g., voice picking, pick-to-light systems).
- Implementation Plan: Delivered detailed material handling equipment (MHE) specifications, space utilization strategies, and a phased roadmap aligned with budgets and priorities.
The design and enhanced operational tools and processes ensured scalability, optimized workflows, and cost-effective implementation by creating transparent, co-developed solutions throughout the entire BHB network.
Phase II: Network Assessment
DCS also performed a network assessment aimed to enhance visibility, standardization, and control across the supply chain. Key focus areas included:
- Process Review: Analyzed receiving, put-away, inventory control, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.
- Technology Upgrades: Evaluated the warehouse management system (WMS), recommending enhancements for real-time inventory visibility and remote site integration.
- Performance Optimization: Identified efficiency gains through updated performance metrics, streamlined process flows, and optimized equipment usage.
- Roadmap Delivery: Provided a prioritized plan with capital estimates for immediate, mid-term, and long-term improvements.
Results and Impact
The initiative transformed BHB’s supply chain into a more efficient, scalable, and patient-focused system. Key outcomes included:
- Optimized Distribution Center: Improved workflows with proven solution designs as well as a 42% storage utilization rate through efficient zoning and slotting tools enabling faster throughput and reduced operational delays.
- Scalable Automation: Identified flexible automation options (e.g., modernized scanned put away, cycle counting and pick/pack operations) to support future demand.
- Enhanced Network Visibility: Improved inventory management across the DC and remote locations through standardized processes and real-time tracking through an upgraded Warehouse Management System visibility tool.
- Operational Consistency: Introduced actionable KPIs that were shared throughout the entire workforce, reducing waste and improving resource utilization.
- Patient-Centric Logistics: Ensured reliable, timely delivery of critical supplies to healthcare teams using the enhanced tools and processes developed in the project.
The partnership with DCS positioned BHB to meet modern healthcare logistics demands with agility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.



















