When medical device developers think of distributors, they don’t always consider the level of service that comes with the arrangement. Distributors are well known for having a healthy supply of components and a wide selection from which to choose. However, customization, development assistance, and design input are not always associated with them.

A distributor’s capabilities may extend far beyond the initial perspective of a resource for off-the-shelf components. While they can provide the benefits already highlighted, they can also serve as a proactive supply chain ally, offering much-needed assistance to help avoid disruption of critical parts. Maintaining a clear line of communication with a distributor throughout a development and manufacturing timeline can reveal unanticipated benefits.

To help further explain the real advantages a medical device component distributor can bring to the table, Carol D’Amato, VP of Client Success and Operations Excellence at Qosina, responded to several questions. In this Q&A, she offers a deep dive on how a distributor can enhance supply chain resiliency while also providing key design insights.

Sean Fenske: When it comes to supply chain operations and client success, how do most medtech manufacturing distributors handle these aspects?

Carol D’Amato: Supply chain and customer-facing functions typically operate as separate departments. Supply chain focuses on…