E-DRUG: Computer Software for Drugs Stores (4)
-------------------------------------------
Dear Colleagues,
Please find below, brief on of LSS (Logistic Support System).
The LSS software can be downloaded from the Web Site address:
http://202.165.250.90/
LSS user Manual can also be downloaded from the said address.
For LSS training, trained master trainers are available in Pakistan, as during the Essential Drugs Management in earthquake areas, we have team of Pharmacists who are now trained as Master trainers.
Computerisation of drug management and supply, and storage:
Introduction
The management of pharmaceutical supply system is a complex process, which starts with the procurement/donation of a consignment, its receipt at the central warehouse, inventory, checking for quality, expiry dates and its stocking. Subsequently, the drugs must be distributed further to peripheral warehouses and to dispensaries until the medicines are dispensed to the individual patient. This is a long and tedious process. In times of major disasters, the management of donations in the form of food, pharmaceuticals or equipments arriving at disaster sites often pose serious logistic and management nightmares for the national authorities. The process of sorting through tons of supplies and ensuring that urgently needed items reach the disaster victims as quickly as possible in an ordered fashion often overwhelm relief workers. Complete or partial computerisation of the entire process is a convenient way to make the process easier, faster, more transparent and with less human investment.
Since 1992, many countries, agencies and NGOs have been using a computerised Supply Management System (SUMA) to manage relief supplies during emergencies. In the recent earthquake, WHO introduced for the first time in Pakistan the Logistic Support System (LSS), which is an updated version of the SUMA. More than 70 individuals have been trained on how to use the LSS. Moreover, the system has been installed at the WHO main warehouse in Islamabad as well as several peripheral points in the disaster areas and has tremendously facilitated the management and supply of drug donations. During the past 8 months, WHO office in Pakistan has gained sufficient experience how to use the LSS that it plans now to expand the system to further PHC facilities. Presently, the LSS is not able to track the supply and distribution down to the dispensary (see figure below). Extension of the LSS to the PHC level will not only improve drug management, but can be also a tool to monitor the rational use of drugs. The major advantage with the LSS system is that it can also be used to manage food supplies, equipments and even staff.
What is the Logistic Support System (LSS)?
LSS is a computer software program. It is an upgraded and modified version of the SUMA (Supply Management System). It began as a PAHO/WHO technical cooperation project in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1992. Since then many countries and other UN and NGOs have contributed their experience to develop the LSS. LSS is designed to manage all incoming supplies and to classify them at the point of entry into the country as quickly as possible, with the aim to assign priorities for the distribution of the items, according to the needs of the affected population. The system makes it possible to generate information about the flow of donations and the type and characteristics of the supplies.
The functions of the LSS
Information on supplies, pharmaceuticals or equipments are collected at different points of entry such as an airport, seaport, or a border. The LSS team assigns a priority to each item based on how it meets the needs of the disaster victims. Items are classified by category, subcategory, and item. Other LSS teams work at warehouses and distribution centers, managing information on the distribution of items from central to peripheral points. Information gathered in the field is forwarded in an electronic format to the central level for its consolidation. Standard or customised reports can be easily generated for managers, assisting them to monitor procurements, pledges from donors, identify gaps or duplications in the distribution, as well as helping them to take logistical decisions. LSS has also an inbuilt warning system to give alarm for example when certain drugs are to expire.
The main features of the LSS are:
Require Stock Control: Enforces that users cannot deliver a quantity greater than the entry items entered. If this option is not checked, users will be allowed to deliver any amount of any item.
1. Entries and Deliveries: Enables the Entry and Deliver menu options. If this is not checked, users at this site will not be able to enter or view Entries and Deliveries.
2. Express Entries and Deliveries: Enables the Express menu option. If this is not checked, users at this site will not be able to enter or view Express Entries and Deliveries.
3. Requests: Enables the Requests menu option. If this is not checked, users at this site will not see be able to enter or view Requests.
4. Reports: Enables the Reports menu item. If this is not checked, users at this site will not be able to preview, print, or export reports.
5. Pipeline: Enables the Pipeline menu option. If this is not checked, users at this site will not see be able to enter or view Pipeline items.
6. Import External Data: Enables the Import menu to allow users to import item codes or stock from external applications into LSS.
7. Import LSS Data: Enables the Import menu to allow users to import Entries, Deliveries, Request, and Pipeline data from other LSS applications.
8. Export LSS Data: Enables the Export menu to allow users to export Entries, Deliveries, Request, and Pipeline data to other LSS applications.
9. Default Delivery Code: Sets the default code that will be used when printing item codes on reports.
10. Default Export Path: Sets the default export path that will be used when exporting data.
Best regards
S.Khalid Saeed Bukhari
Team Leader for Essential Drugs and Supplies
WHO Emergency Office
Islmabad, Pakistan.
Mobile No. 00923004005935
E.mail address: skhs60@yahoo.com