MULTIPLE IDNS - structure question

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Michelle Wetzel
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    We are looking at potentially merging/buying other organizations.  Right now we have one item master but could potentially have several. We use smart numbering to represent inventory, non inventory, etc but how the items are used may not be consistent across all locations.

    Trying to weigh the pros and cons of one item master versus an item master for each entity.  Your thoughts?

     

    Thanks!

     

    Michelle

     

    JonA
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      I would recommend one item master for all and this is what all the consultants I've worked with have told me. Setting up contracts, supply standardization, communications about products between IDNs all benefit from having a single item master. Of course, consolidating existing item masters into one is pain in the butt. Unless the business activity for an acquired organization is completely different from the rest of the IDNs I don't see any reason you would need separate item masters.

      Jon Athey - Sr. Supply Chain Analyst - Materials Management - MyMichigan Health
      Rob Conrad
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        Hi Michelle!

        I agree with Jon - a single Item Master and Vendor Master.

        I recently completed some work for a large 12 hospital SCM project and we used a single Item Master across all the hospitals. I've only done separate Item Masters on International engagements where the client wanted segregated Item / Vendor Masters for each country etc.

        Keep in mind that if you are using Infor Contract Management - you can keep specials on contracts and you can also use Pricing Groups to establish location specific contract pricing. Multiple Item Masters would complicate your CM implementation however.

        Greetings to everyone at Carle!

        Best!

        Rob