An Application of An ebXML-Based System in Healthcare Supply Chain in Thailand

The supply chain operations in healthcare industry are one of the most complex systems to operate. To efficiently manage the supply chain in this industry, information technology (IT) plays a significant role. An information standard is also needed to enable seamless exchange of electronic data between partners in the supply chain. XML-based information technology is gaining its popularity over the old EDI-based technology. Many companies in healthcare industry are considering XML-based systems to synchronize their business processes. In this research, a healthcare supply chain in Thailand is examined to see how a web-based system and a business standard for electronic information flow (ebXML standard in this case) can be applied to improve efficiency in its operations. First, the current business processes are analyzed and new processes are proposed along with a web-based system based on ebXML standard. The new system is tested and the result is analyzed.