Communication, collaboration, and meticulous planning are at the core of every successful healthcare equipment procurement and delivery project. In the Spring of 2022, our ability to adapt and innovate in adverse conditions was showcased when we were tasked with procuring and delivering equipment to 43 U.S. Army Wellness Centers (AWCs) across 10 bases in the United States.
This case study highlights how our equipment-focused expertise in the healthcare industry combined with our flexibility, innovative approach, and respect for our partners, enabled us to meet the challenge of delivering 60,000 pieces of medical equipment within six weeks—on time and without compromising our standard of excellence.
The AWCs play a vital role in improving soldier health, readiness, and performance. Operated under the Army Medical Command and the Army Public Health Center, these facilities focus on preventive medicine, health promotion, and wellness.
Our role in this project went far beyond simply delivering and assembling essential equipment—it involved comprehensive project management, logistics coordination, and close collaboration between our teams and Martek, the primary contractor providing IO&T services. We closely inspected all equipment including—diagnostic physical therapy and exercise equipment, medical treatment aids and supplies, firearms simulator training software, and mental acuity software. These products were delivered to various bases in Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.
The Results
Planning: Setting the Foundation for Success: Our project management team closely coordinated every aspect of the project. They tracked all 473 POs to ensure that equipment arrived at our nine warehouses on schedule. Every item was then inspected for damage, reconciled for discrepancies, and consolidated into 785 pallets by our warehouse teams. Each pallet was labeled with JSN-specific codes to ensure accurate delivery to each brigade.
Problem-Solving: Overcoming Obstacles: When faced with supply chain delays, our teams adapted quickly. Our PMs sourced alternative products for delayed items and addressed any damaged shipments or missing components before delivery. To address the lack of on-site unloading resources, we equipped our tractor trailers with bobcats and other necessary tools, ensuring smooth delivery and assembly at each of the locations.
Flexibility: Adapting to Unique Needs: Our project managers and logistics teams worked together to create detailed delivery plans to help ensure limited disruptions to the facility’s workflow. They worked closely with Army personnel to address any last-minute challenges, ensuring that all equipment was delivered and installed on time.
During transit, our delivery teams navigated rugged terrain by using plywood and other protective measures to safeguard the equipment. Our dedicated direct-to-site (DTS) teams handled every aspect of the delivery process, from unloading 43 trailer trucks to assembling every piece of equipment, making sure it was ready for immediate use.
“With CME’s direct-to-site, white-glove delivery services, these health centers were able to continue to offer peak efficiencies at the bases, which is so crucial for force protection.”
— Robert Charron, Vice President of Government & Contractor Sales at CME.
Collaboration and open communication played a crucial role in the project’s success. Working collectively with the U.S. Army and the IO&T contractor, we overcame every obstacle as a united team with a shared approach.
“Because it excels at procuring, transporting, assembling, and managing the aggregation of hundreds of lines of products at military facilities throughout the country, we appreciate having such a reliable and exceptional medical equipment distributor as CME. Together, we are meeting the needs of the brave men and women who protect our nation.”
— Patrick Reynolds, Vice President of Enterprise Facilities Solutions at Martek.
With all essential medical equipment delivered and successfully installed, the U.S. Army Wellness Centers are now better equipped to support the physical and mental well-being of our soldiers—ensuring they are ready for any mission. Our comprehensive delivery approach was not only cost effective but also helped meet tight delivery timelines, even under challenging conditions.
Every step of this project reflected the flexibility and innovative approach of our teams. Our seamless communication with the IO&T contractor and U.S. Army personnel ensured that even the most complex challenges were tackled collaboratively. Ultimately the success of this project was rooted in collaboration, shared respect, and flexibility.
Simply put, we make it easy. We are more than your average healthcare equipment distributor. While many distributors can source quality medical equipment at competitive prices, we are the only one who specializes exclusively in equipment for healthcare, offers comprehensive project management, white-glove delivery and installation, as well as biomedical services.
CME Corp. is the only one… nationwide.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier specialty distributor of healthcare, laboratory, and imaging equipment. We partner with over 2,000 manufacturers to offer more than 2 million products. In addition to an extensive product portfolio, we also offer project management, CAD-based layout, design and 3d modeling, warehousing, assembly, staging, consolidated, need-by-date direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical and technical services, all staffed by CME employees. Our mission, to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment acquisition, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate, or expand on schedule, is supported by service locations strategically located across the country.