When we think about tidying up the infirmary, 2 words come to mind: CODE and ADDRESS.
ADDRESS: is the physical location of the item in the infirmary, considering a shelf arrangement. As an example, the item in cabinet A, on the 2nd shelf, has the address A02. The item in drawer B, 3rd drawer has the address B03. Addressing allows for faster physical location, both in stock counting and inventory situations and in emergency situations in which any crew member can look for an item for immediate relief.
CODE (INTERNATIONAL): This is the international identification code for each item. It is recommended that each item be identified through a label containing this numbering. Once the item is identified, it allows for the organization and also complementary the location of an item in the inventory. The numerical organization in an orderly way facilitates their identification and location in a spreadsheet or list. In situations where the vessel is in another country and there is a need to replace a certain item, its identification by code allows another supplier to supply the medicines based on the code. The same applies to situations in which the active ingredient of a particular drug is not available in a foreign country. It can be replaced by another product of the same therapeutic class, as long as it serves the same purpose and is recommended by a local doctor or pharmacist.
We at Medinship specialize in this subject, and we can support you whenever you need it.
