What trends will shape the next chapter of materials management and how leadership can take action

Published: February 2026

The hospital supply chain no longer operates in a stable or predictable environment.

Shortages, trade shifts, tariffs, and geopolitical risks now shape daily decision-making across clinical and non-clinical supply categories, influencing availability, sourcing, and cost. At the same time, demands on existing infrastructure and systems continue to grow.

Together, these shifts have raised expectations for speed, coordination, and consistency—stretching processes and systems built for far more traditional conditions.

Download the article to see what your hospital can do to improve materials management this year.