Short Shelf Life Products Management System (SSLPMS)

These products, such as Hematology Samples, have a very short shelf life of just sixteen days upon arrival. The SSLPMS provides real-time product monitoring, automatic tracking of shipment information, and sends email alerts to all involved parties to ensure timely distribution and prevent expiry. The system was designed to address the challenges of managing short shelf life products, which are crucial for verifying the operation of machines used in HIV/AIDS testing. Prior to the implementation of SSLPMS, a paper-based system was used, but it lacked communication and up-to-date information, resulting in product expiry. The new system automatically tracks product movement, provides a timeline, and sends email alerts to distributors and facilities to ensure that short shelf life products are effectively managed. SSLPMS has been successful in reducing product expiry and reducing wastage. The system allows distributors and facilities to prioritize batches with expiry dates, ensuring that products are distributed in a timely manner. The system also enables the addition of non-short shelf life products, which are products with a longer shelf life. A second phase of development is underway to update the system to incorporate forecasting, supply planning, and procurement processes. The short shelf life product management work flow and the SSLPMS tool are expected to be incorporated into PFSA's storage and distribution standard procedures, enabling PFSA to manage short shelf life products beyond HIV/AIDS commodities. This will ensure a reliable and secure supply of high-quality medicines and health products for HIV/AIDS care and treatment. The SSLPMS is an important addition to the management of short shelf life products, ensuring that laboratory testing is available and accurate. The system has been designed to prevent product expiry and reduce wastage, and its success has been recognized as a crucial component of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.