Predictive inventory control including scheduling and performing bio-fluid tests out of order based on reagent inventory expiration

An inventory control apparatus, comprising:

• one or more automated analyzer apparatus configured to perform one or more tests on bio-fluid specimens, wherein each of the one or more automated analyzer apparatus includes a change-out inventory;
• a server in electronic communication with the one or more automated analyzer apparatus, the server including:
• a communication interface configured to receive:
• change-out inventory status from each of the one or more automated analyzer apparatus, the change-out inventory status including expiring inventory status, and
• a daily workload input providing an estimate of test demand over a specific time period;
• a database configured to contain first data on the change-out inventory status for each of the automated analyzer apparatus and second data on the estimate of test demand over the specific time period;
• and
• a decisioning module configured and operable to analyze the first data on the change-out inventory status and the second data on the estimate of the test demand over the specific time period and provide a work plan itinerary including work sequence instructions that include electronic command instructions for performing tests out of order before one or more reagents expire;
• and
• a robot or controllable mechanism in electronic communication with the server to receive the electronic command instructions to perform tests out of order before one or more reagents expire, the robot or controllable mechanism performing tests out of order in response to receiving the electronic command instructions.

An inventory control apparatus, comprising:

• a plurality of automated analyzer apparatus configured to perform tests on bio-fluid specimens, wherein each of the automated analyzer apparatus includes a change-out inventory comprising at least a plurality of reagents;
• a server in electronic communication with each of the plurality of automated analyzer apparatus, the server including:
• a communication interface configured to receive:
• change-out inventory status from each of the plurality of automated analyzer apparatus, the change-out inventory status including expiring inventory status, and
• an estimate of planned workload over a specific time period derived from a laboratory information system;
• a database configured to contain first data on the change-out inventory status for each of the automated analyzer apparatus and second data on the estimate of planned workload over the specified time period;
• and
• a decisioning module configured and operable to analyze the first data on the change-out inventory status and the second data on the planned workload over the specific time period and provide a work plan itinerary of sequence instructions, wherein the work plan itinerary includes electronic command instructions for performing tests out of order before one or more of the plurality of reagents expire and one or more of:
• a) when to replenish certain unique change-out inventory items on one or more of the plurality of automated analyzer apparatus,
• b) instructions to replenish refrigerated inventory items,
• c) instructions to calibrate one or more of the plurality of automated analyzer apparatus,
• d) instructions to perform a quality control on one or more of the plurality of automated analyzer apparatus, and
• e) instructions to empty waste material from one or more of the plurality of automated analyzer apparatus;
• and
• a robot or controllable mechanism in electronic communication with the server to receive the electronic command instructions to perform tests out of order before one or more reagents expire, the robot or controllable mechanism performing tests out of order in response to receiving the electronic command instructions.