Using Artificial Intelligence in Health and Medical Supply Chains

Abstract

In the supply chain, strategic and tactical decisions are taken to ensure the correct flow of raw materials and products from the raw material to the end user. These decisions are supported by using various methods in the sub-stages of the supply chain such as demand forecasting, creation of the supply network, supplier selection, production and distribution planning, and inventory management. Among these methods, the use of artificial intelligence has been increasing in recent years. Artificial intelligence techniques are one of the important tools used to support decisions in the supply chain, as before and after the pandemic. In this study, the need for artificial intelligence techniques in supply chain decisions in the post-pandemic period in the health sector was evaluated. The sub-stages of the supply chain were evaluated according to the determined criteria, and it was determined for which sub-stage the development of artificial intelligence techniques was more important. The analytical network process method was used to prioritize the sub-stages according to the criteria. Evaluations about which method should be used in which sub-stages according to the prioritization are also presented in the study.