Q&A: Bright ideas to combat product shortages during COVID-19 pandemic
After smart manufacturer Bright Machines announced a new initiative to combat potential medical product shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic – in particular devices that are essential to tackling the disease, Ian Bolland caught up with CEO Amar Hanspal to find out more.
When it comes to devices that are essential to tackling the Coronavirus, can you be more specific on the types of devices you mean? Is it just respirators and ventilators or does it go further?
There are many devices that are critical to both testing and care in response to COVID-19, but we’ve heard that the most in-demand device in countries that are already experiencing critical mass of ICU patients is ventilators and respirators. We will continue to evaluate the most critical equipment needed.
You’re enabling no-cost automation for a year, what happens after that? And will a year be enough?
I don’t think anyone has the insight to know how long this pandemic will last, so it’s difficult to predict whether a year will be enough. But in the short-term, it’s certainly enough time to implement automation with a Bright Machines Microfactory and make real, immediate impact in this time of crisis. At this time, we’re able to provide no-cost automation for up to 12 months as part of our three-year microfactory-as-a-service agreement. Ultimately, the benefits of automating production go far beyond any one pandemic and can help any manufacturer future-proof their production lines against other global disruptions.
Does this initiative mean that Bright Machines will take a hit, financially?
In times like these, I believe companies have a special responsibility to support their employees, communities and customers, so we’re focussed on making sure we’re doing our part to contribute to efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. This initiative doesn’t come at the expense of the long-term health of our business.
With inevitable knock-on effects on supply chain, does this mean that Bright Machines’ reach will be adversely affected?
It’s still too early to tell what the long-term effects of global supply chain disruptions will be exactly, but we know there will be effects for all global manufacturers. We’ve advocated for more localised supply chain, production and distribution channels since our inception as a company and will continue to do so, in order to help manufacturers weather this storm and better prepare for a range of potential disruptions down the line. Ultimately a Bright Machines Microfactory is only one component of a production line, and there are myriad ways we can collectively come together as an industry to avoid a total long-term shutdown in the sector.
Do you believe this initiative in itself can help provide a fresh stimulus to the medtech supply chain?
The most valuable and timely contribution Bright Machines can offer is removing barriers to quickly get these critical products into the hands of as many healthcare providers throughout the world as possible. And, as the part of the supply chain helping to manufacture products like these, it is our responsibility to help do so.
Anything else to add?
I truly believe companies have a special responsibility to support their employees, communities and customers. As a leader of an organisation that has employees in the US, Europe and Asia, many of whom were the first to get impacted by the disease and others who are now in mandatory shelter in place directives, I can’t help but to feel that where we can, we must help be a part of the solution.