Baxter offers advice to help device manufacturers prepare for supply chain disruptions.
After flooding took a key manufacturing plant offline, Baxter imported nearly 18,000 tons of IV products into the U.S. by air. [Photo courtesy of Baxter]
Baxter is the first manufacturer to earn an HIRC Gold Level Resiliency Badge in the categories of IV solutions, nutrition solutions and premix drugs.
“The HIRC Resiliency Badge is not about immunity to disruptions, but rather a supplier’s level of operational and risk management maturity to better predict, prevent and recover from supply disruptions,” HIRC Executive Director Jesse Schafer said in a news release. “Through this achievement, in which the company is evaluated on business continuity and operational competence, Baxter demonstrates its commitment and capability in resiliency.”
Baxter is the world’s 14th largest medical device manufacturer, according to Medical Design & Outsourcing‘s 2025 Medtech Big 100 ranking by revenue. Baxter won HIRC’s Transparency Badge in 2023 and 2024 for enhancing visibility, risk management and business continuity planning.
“The HIRC Resiliency Badge is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on helping ensure patients and customers can count on Baxter, no matter the challenge,” said Baxter EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer Jim Borzi. [Photo courtesy of Baxter]
Baxter said it was most recently recognized by HIRC for strength in five areas (the bullet points below come directly from Baxter):
- Resilient Global Logistics and Supply Chain Visibility: Innovative tools like the Baxter Control Tower provide real-time visibility into the organization’s global distribution network, enabling faster responses to emerging issues. This level of transparency and agility is essential for helping to meet urgent healthcare demands across geographies.
- Stronger Cybersecurity Frameworks: With a proactive commitment to safeguarding critical operations, Baxter has established robust standard operating procedures to help protect the integrity of its supply chain. Baxter is working to address the growing cyber threats in the healthcare sector through its evolving risk strategy.
- Enhanced Risk Management and Demand Forecasting: Baxter is working to strengthen business continuity through improved forecasting tools and access to market data. These capabilities support more accurate demand prediction and risk mitigation to help maintain supply continuity of critical products to customers and patients.
- Inventory Oversight and Product Management: With structured processes for stock and backorder management, Baxter helps support product availability even during disruptions. This proactive approach helps to support providers by minimizing gaps in supply and sustaining continuity of care.
- Operational Health and Driving Continuous Improvement: Baxter fosters a culture of continuous improvement worldwide through mission-driven employee programs, site-level improvement plans and ongoing investments in manufacturing. This commitment aids in driving greater efficiency, strengthening collaboration with suppliers and helping to deliver improved outcomes for patients and providers.
“The HIRC Resiliency Badge is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on helping ensure patients and customers can count on Baxter, no matter the challenge,” Baxter EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer Jim Borzi said in the news release. “From continuous investments in manufacturing to transformative digital tools, resiliency is built into everything we do. We’re honored to receive this significant industry award that helps validate our ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more transparent supply chain and reaffirms our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives.”
Baxter EVP and Chief Operating Officer Heather Knight [Photo courtesy of Baxter]
- Invest in preparedness and risk management before the unexpected happens: Establish robust emergency response plans that include specific protocols for natural disasters and other disruptions. Regularly review and update these plans to ensure they remain effective and use these assessments to prioritize investments in resilience.
- Leverage your network to support stability: Build and maintain a network that can be activated quickly in response to disruptions. Ongoing dialogue with relevant industry associations, government contacts, and other partners can help support resource allocation and critical stakeholder communications during crises.
- Enhance recovery capabilities with cross-functional coordination: Encourage collaboration across departments (e.g., operations, logistics, and supply chain management) to streamline recovery efforts. Regular cross-training can ensure that team members are prepared to step into different roles as needed.
- Conduct post-incident reviews: After a disruption, analyze the response and recovery efforts to identify strengths and weaknesses. What worked well, and what can continue to improve? Use these insights to refine your preparedness plans and response protocols.
- Invest in technology: Explore smart supply chain technologies, such as AI and IoT, to enhance visibility and responsiveness, whether inventory management, logistics data or other essential aspects to reducing bottlenecks in the supply chain. These tools can provide valuable data for decision-making and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
