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Published on 02 March 2026

Contents

Genesis Inventory Management System (Genesis IMS)

The Genesis Inventory Management System (IMS) is a modern, cloud based platform introduced across NHS Scotland to transform the way critical consumables and clinical inventory are managed. Genesis provides real time visibility, accuracy, and efficiency in the management of stock and high value medical devices. It forms the national digital foundation for improved patient safety, reduced waste, and stronger, data driven supply chain decision making.

End to End Inventory Management

Genesis provides a single national system giving boards real time visibility of:

  • Stock levels and location
  • Expiry dates and batch/lot information
  • Consumption trends
  • Ordering and replenishment activity.

This unified view supports consistency, accuracy, and improved financial and stock governance across all NHS Scotland boards.

Point of Care (PoC) Clinical Traceability

The Scan for Safety component extends barcode scanning from stockrooms into clinical areas—including theatres, catheter labs, and implantable device pathways.

PoC scanning links product, patient, clinician, procedure, place, and time, enabling:

  • Improved implant traceability
  • Faster and more accurate recall management
  • Greater patient safety and reduced clinical risk
  • Reduction in administrative workload through digital capture rather than manual documentation.

Cloud Based, Secure and Accessible

Genesis is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), accessible via standard web browser and secure credentials, with mobile functionality delivered through handheld barcode scanning devices. It supports GS1 standards for product identification, ensuring global compliance and interoperability.

Integrated with Key NHS Scotland Systems

Genesis integrates with:

  • Procurement systems – for purchase orders, catalogue updates, approvals and supplier transmission
  • Finance systems – for invoice matching and financial reporting
  • Supply Chain/Warehouse systems – supporting national distribution
  • Data & Analytics – for dashboards, reporting, and data driven insights.

These integrations streamline procurement and finance processes, reduce manual effort, and ensure data accuracy from ordering through to payment.

What Genesis Delivers

Improved Patient Safety

  • High risk implantable devices tracked from manufacturer to patient.
  • GS1 barcode compliance for accuracy.
  • Immediate visibility during recalls.
  • Supports standardised, safe clinical workflows at point of care.

Operational Benefits

  • Reduced manual ordering and stock checking.
  • Faster replenishment with automation.
  • Better use of staff time, freeing clinical colleagues for patient care.
  • Digitised stock counts and audit trails.

Financial Benefits

  • More accurate, centralised view of stockholding.
  • Reduction in waste and expired products.
  • Improved forecasting and demand planning.
  • Supports contract compliance and reduces off contract spend.

National Implementation Across NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland reached a major transformation milestone with full national rollout of Genesis IMS across 17 Boards, enabling Scotland’s first comprehensive, national stock visibility platform.

This programme allows all boards to:

  • Share best practice
  • Benchmark performance
  • Benefit from a consistent digital supply chain approach.

Supported through:

  • National user groups
  • System health checks
  • Ongoing training and knowledgebase support.

Public Impact

Genesis plays a critical role in:

  • Safeguarding supply availability for patient care
  • Strengthening Scotland’s national preparedness for supply disruptions
  • Enabling faster, safer, more accurate clinical workflows
  • Supporting NHS Scotland’s digital transformation roadmap.