Pamela Steele Associates (PSA) is a leader in supply chain transformation, providing strategic solutions to optimize health and humanitarian logistics. Our expertise spans the full supply chain cycle—from forecasting and procurement to warehousing, distribution, and supply chain data management. We collaborate with governments, NGOs, donors, and private sector partners to build resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chains. Our approach integrates advanced technologies, capacity-building initiatives, and industry best practices to ensure the availability of essential health commodities, improve last-mile delivery, and enhance supply chain governance.
Forecasting and Supply Planning
Accurate forecasting and supply planning are fundamental to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and health commodities. PSA enhances national and subnational forecasting systems by leveraging data analytics and improving decision-making.
Our Capabilities:
- Data-Driven Forecasting: PSA has implemented forecasting tools such as the Quantification Analytics Tool (QAT) to enhance demand estimation, minimize stockouts, and reduce wastage.
- Gender-Responsive Forecasting & Supply Planning (FASP): PSA integrates gender considerations into medicine selection and supply forecasting for equitable access.
- Multi-Year Forecasting: Transitioning health programs from short-term procurement cycles to long-term commodity forecasting to ensure sustainability.
- Capacity Building: PSA trains government counterparts to conduct supply planning reviews and use predictive analytics.
Example:
PSA supported the Kaduna and Niger State governments in Nigeria to strengthen their demand planning through improved quantification of essential medicines. This included estimating the annual requirements of health commodities for over 400,000 clients under a contributory health insurance scheme.
Warehouse and Inventory Management
Efficient warehouse operations and inventory management are critical for ensuring the timely distribution of health commodities. PSA enhances storage, tracking, and replenishment systems to optimize stock levels and reduce inefficiencies.
Our Capabilities:
- Strategic Warehouse Optimization: PSA assesses storage capacity and develops best practices for national and regional warehouse management.
- Digital Inventory Management: Implementation of RFID, barcode scanning, and real-time stock monitoring systems improves tracking accuracy.
- Outsourcing Private Sector Capacity: PSA introduces flexible storage solutions through private-sector partnerships to handle peak demand periods cost-effectively.
- Workforce Training: Developing e-learning modules and job aids standardizes inventory handling procedures.
Example:
PSA supported the Kaduna State Ministry of Health in Nigeria to upgrade its warehouse infrastructure and digitalize stock management. The implementation of mSupply warehouse management software led to a reduction in order processing times from 13 days to just 2 days.
Distribution and Transportation
PSA designs and implements solutions to improve distribution networks, ensuring that life-saving health commodities reach the last mile efficiently.
Our Capabilities:
- Route Optimization & Dynamic Delivery Scheduling: GPS tracking and remote temperature monitoring enhance delivery performance.
- Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI): Partnering with private logistics providers for demand-driven restocking of essential program commodities.
- Integrated Transport Management: Synchronizing shipments across health programs to reduce transportation costs and improve efficiency.
- Last-Mile Delivery Enhancement: Strengthening partnerships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and exploring innovative solutions such as drone deliveries.
Example:
PSA facilitated the introduction of outsourced 3PL services in Nigeria’s health supply chain, significantly reducing shipping costs from 50% to just 13% of commodity costs. Delivery lead time also improved to an average of two days.
Supply Chain Information Systems & Data Management
Data visibility and integration across supply chain systems are essential for effective decision-making. PSA supports governments and organizations in strengthening digital health supply chain ecosystems.
Our Capabilities:
- Interoperable Supply Chain Information Systems (SCIS): Supporting the integration of logistics management information systems (LMIS) with health information systems (HIS) for end-to-end data tracking.
- Advanced Analytics & Predictive Modeling: Leveraging AI, machine learning, and IoT solutions to improve inventory forecasting and risk management.
- Dashboard Integration: Developing real-time digital dashboards for monitoring commodity availability, stock levels, and logistics performance.
- Workforce Training: Equipping stakeholders with technical skills to manage and interpret supply chain data.
Example:
Before PSA’s intervention, Kaduna State lacked a functional data management system. PSA introduced a USSD-based automated logistics data collection system, increasing reporting rates from 0% to 78%, thereby improving data visibility for decision-making.
Pharmaceutical Management & Regulatory Strengthening
Strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains ensures the availability, safety, and quality of medicines. PSA works with national regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical stakeholders to enhance policy implementation and quality assurance.
Our Capabilities:
- Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Governance: Supporting policy formulation, essential medicine list reviews, and pharmacovigilance framework implementation.
- Risk-Based Inspections & Compliance: Strengthening regulatory bodies’ ability to monitor and enforce good manufacturing and distribution practices.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment: Developing national action plans and stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use and surveillance.
- Pharmacovigilance & Patient Safety: Enhancing adverse event reporting mechanisms and integrating AI-driven safety surveillance systems.
Example:
PSA worked with health authorities in Nigeria to institutionalize quality control systems, including batch testing of medicines and developing SOPs for regulatory compliance.
Health Supply Chain Financing & Sustainability
Sustainable financing mechanisms are critical for maintaining uninterrupted supply chains. PSA works with governments and development partners to improve resource mobilization and expenditure tracking.
Our Capabilities:
- Budget Execution Monitoring: Assisting governments in aligning supply chain budgets with procurement and distribution plans.
- Debt Management Solutions: Supporting the design of financial recovery plans to improve supplier payment timelines and reduce procurement delays.
- Risk-Pooling & Insurance Schemes: Developing health insurance-linked supply chain financing models to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Supply Chain Cost Optimization: Conducting cost-benefit analyses to improve pricing transparency and resource allocation.
Example:
PSA supported Kaduna State in implementing a ring-fenced financing model, ensuring stable funding for essential medicines procurement and distribution.We supported governments to develop Financial Sustainability Strategies and Plans for post donor grants
Workforce Development & Institutional Capacity Building
A well-trained workforce is the foundation of a resilient supply chain. PSA develops and implements comprehensive workforce training programs to professionalize health logistics personnel.
Our Capabilities:
- Supply Chain Workforce Professionalization: Implementing competency-based training frameworks aligned with global best practices.
- Gender-Transformative Workforce Development: Promoting equitable career pathways for women in supply chain leadership roles.
- Leadership & Governance Strengthening: Training health supply chain managers on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and crisis response.
- On-the-Job Training & Mentorship: Implementing practical learning programs, such as the Girls on the Move initiative, to accelerate the career progression of young professionals.
Example:
PSA facilitated training programs in Nigeria, improving staff competency and professionalizing health supply chain management across 215 health facilities. Click the link to learn about PSA’s Supply Chain Transformation work in Nigeria: PSA_Nigeria Project Booklet.
Why Partner with PSA?
PSA’s proven expertise in supply chain optimization, digital transformation, and workforce development makes us a trusted partner for governments, donors, and organizations seeking to build resilient health logistics systems. Our tailored solutions ensure:
✔ Stronger supply chain resilience – reducing stockouts and wastage.
✔ Enhanced operational efficiency – leveraging data-driven insights and technology.
✔ Sustainable capacity building – equipping local institutions with skills for long-term impact.
✔ Improved last-mile delivery – ensuring timely access to life-saving commodities.
Let’s strengthen supply chains together! Contact us at info@pamsteele.org to explore collaboration opportunities.