Medical manufacturing in the United States is an especially important industry, as it not only produces life saving equipment, but employs thousands of individuals throughout the country. Despite these major benefits, medical manufacturers within the U.S. do face major hurdles during not only the production phase, but throughout the distribution and sales phases as well. Following are our three biggest challenges, and how we're facing them, head on.
- Increased Costs: Initially, medical manufactures in the United States face the pressure of outsourcing production and, potentially thousands of jobs overseas. Most companies prefer to produce solid medical equipment on U.S soil, but with ever growing taxes and restrictions, and a pricing competitive landscape,it is often more cost effective to produce the equipment in a third-world country, capable of creating the products at a fraction of the price. Of course, this strips the residents near major manufacturing plants of much needed jobs, and in the modern economy, these jobs are incredibly valuable. We're proud to say that we manufacture in the United States. Our technology, product development, and improvement all are represented here.
- Challenging Distribution Market: Once the equipment or device is produced, the next stage is distribution. The product must demonstrate a clear benefit over current product on the market, otherwise medical professionals have no reason to recommend the manufactured device. The best way to spread word of the new equipment has been via trade shows or magazine advertisements, although this isn’t always the most advantageous method of reaching potential doctors. While information for Bovie and other manufacture’s equipment is always readily available on the web, individuals in the medical community are so limited on time. We try to reach our customers and potential customers, where they go for every day information. (Thus our use of Social Media as a tool to educate and share.) In addtion, the company also must focus on building direct relationships with the MD market in order to increase sales through distribution partners and companies.
- Regional Differences: Throughout the world, different countries have different rules and regulations on medical equipment and devices. Many have their own acceptance criteria and testing requirements. In addition, translations to that countries specific language is now frequently an issue. Translations are expensive and continue to add cost to the system and the product, but a rule is a rule. That being said, when is the last time you actually read the supplied directions?
