The challenge

With one of the largest healthcare footprints in the UK, BSOL ICS faces significant financial pressures, balancing the delivery of care with a need for financial efficiency. Life expectancy in the most deprived areas of Solihull is considerably lower than in affluent areas, and Birmingham has the highest infant mortality rate among local authorities in the UK. Tackling these inequalities requires both clinical excellence and smart resource management.

Fragmented systems and poor visibility

In recent years, BSOL ICS’s procurement team faced a critical issue: the inability to have single view of both Order and Invoice data across the ICS and the lack of confidence in the accuracy of their spend data. This made it challenging to identify savings opportunities.

There was no clear link between workplans and spend, leaving them guessing as to whether savings targets had been achieved. This gap, coupled with manual processes and reliance on Excel spreadsheets for work planning, created inefficiencies and increased the potential for errors. The team needed a solution that provided visibility across the system along with more robust controls and audit.

Why NEC AdviseInc

A trusted partner with innovative analytical solutions

BSOL ICS had already built a strong relationship with NEC Adviselnc through a number of collaborative projects, so it was natural to turn to them for support in addressing these challenges. NEC Adviselnc’s deep understanding of NHS procurement and their expertise in data management made them the ideal partner to develop a tailored solution. From the outset, NEC Adviselnc worked closely with BSOL ICS to scope, design, and implement a bespoke workplan tool that addressed their specific needs. NEC Adviselnc’s collaborative approach ensured buy-in from the procurement team, and their comprehensive training ensured that staff were confident using the new system from day one.

The Solution

Over £400k in savings through NEC Adviselnc

Within the workplan tool, BSOL ICS can track opportunities identified in NEC Adviselnc’s Platform Plus service. In 23/24, over £430k was delivered, with a similar number already identified in the first 6 months of this financial year. Proving a significant ROI using NEC Adviselnc’s analytics service.

Looking ahead, BSOL ICS is eager to further integrate the workplan tool into NEC Adviselnc’s Platform to gain a holistic view of both workplans and spend data. This level of insight will empower the team to make smarter, more informed decisions and ensure that financial targets are met without compromising on the quality of patient care.

The Conclusion

NEC Adviselnc has been instrumental in transforming BSOL ICS’s approach to procurement and planning. The bespoke workplan tool has provided the team with unprecedented visibility and control over their projects, reducing inefficiencies and driving substantial savings.

With the ability to match workplans to actual spend data and track performance against savings targets in development, BSOL ICS is well positioned to meet its ambitious financial goals while continuing to deliver high-quality care to one of the most socio-economically challenged regions in the UK.

The partnership with NEC AdviseInc continues to evolve, with both organisations working together to explore new ways to unlock efficiencies, improve data accuracy, and ultimately empower BSOL ICS to make smarter, data-driven decisions that benefit both the system and its patients.

To find out how NEC AdviseInc can support your organisation, contact us today.