Abstract book 2023 : the edge annual 10th CPSU conference

Abstract

The Central Procurement Supplies Unit (CPSU) has been organising annual conferences since 2013. In 2022 upon planning for the yearly conference and operating in the new arising challenges it was decided to organise meetings with stakeholders to discuss such situations to identify gaps and find possible solutions. It was decided that CPSU would organise a 2-day conference in 2023 to celebrate, 10 years of collegiality, dynamic action, success, and constant challenges faced together with the industry. The first conference held by the CPSU, started purely as the Annual Suppliers' Conference, where the CPSU new vision and mission were addressed, delving further into the annual data, processes, finance, and accounts. The second conference was labelled Believing and Achieving Together where the new stores were launched, and the discussions evolved on the reduced penalties and supplier/client performance. The conferences metamorphized year after year depending on the afflicting situations. The third conference named Strengthening our Success was based on managing shortages, the advent of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and changed procurement processes/clauses. The fourth conference was, Looking Beyond the Horizon, launching the new information technology behind single dose automation system, online ordering, and full computerised physician entry order with a subsequent fifth conference named Strategic Innovation to consolidate the new technologies and learned environment. The sixth conference entitled The Perfect Storm tackled the new legislations and Brexit effects. The seventh conference was marked with Intelligence is the Ability to Adapt to Change with topics presented, ranging from automation to artificial intelligence and transformation concepts. The eight conference, Deep Impact was organised online for the first time as it happened to be during COVID19. The focus of the 9th conference, Cast Away was based on the new realities and challenges affecting the world. This is the 10th Annual CPSU conference. Supply chain disruptions, availability, accessibility, affordability, and the strategic era for works and services are topics that have been and are still being discussed, with an immediate need for concrete proposals. This year's conference has been baptised as The Edge with the objectives to focus on the survival skills achieved, to accomplish innovative processes that will reduce the current impact on the global situation. While being grateful to the contributors, we hope that both the conference and this book of abstracts meet your expectations.