Abstract 

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine how medical device providers can improve procurement operations and thereby improve the performance of the entire supply chain. To achieve the purpose, two research questions were formulated in this study: 1. In what areas do medical device providers have the most significant room for improvement in their procurement operations? 2. How can a more effective procurement process enhance medical service providers' entire supply chain performance? 

Methods: To fulfill the purpose of the study and to answer the two research questions, this study used a single case study approach. This study first defined the attributes of the study, it is inductive and qualitative research. Next, this study conducted a literature review to allow the literature to form a theoretical framework. Then, data were collected through three methods: interviews, observations, and document analyses, which formed an analytical method of triangulation so as to ensure the accuracy of the data. Finally, the theoretical framework and data are compared and analyzed. 

Findings: This study suggested five areas need to be considered when improve procurement operations: supplier relationship management, collaboration with suppliers such as risk management and transparency of information improvement, inventory management, digitalization and process standardization within paperwork and quality management, and strategic sourcing. At the same time, a detailed explanation of how these five key areas improve supply chain efficiency is provided. 

Limitations: This study focused only on medical device providers and did not focus on all company types in the healthcare industry. This study used a single case study approach therefore, the results this study got cannot be compared with other companies. 

Implications: This study enriches existing supply chain management theories by illustrating the holistic impact of integrated procurement practices on supply chain efficiency within the medical device industry. It emphasizes the need to consider multiple interrelated factors simultaneously, providing a comprehensive understanding of their collective influence on supply chain performance. 

Keywords: Medical device providers, healthcare industry, purchasing, procurement process, procurement operations, procurement challenges, supply chain efficiency, sustainability.