Our Business
Material matters that guide
our focus
Our Business
Material matters that guide our focus
3. Future changing world – innovation and automation
Importance to SANBS in delivering value
Delivering our mission in a rapidly evolving landscape depends on persistent innovation and automation. With Phase 1 of BECS fully stabilised and our ERP modernisation projects under way, we now operate on integrated, data-driven platforms that unlock AI, machine learning, mobile, digital and cloud capabilities, all while maintaining the highest accreditation standards.
Central to our new strategy is the Connecting Patients with Products strategic pillar, which commits us to explore scalable, innovative models for getting blood products to patients more efficiently. This integration of cutting-edge technology with patient-focused delivery will drive greater operational efficiency and ensure more timely, reliable access to lifesaving products.
Risks to value creation
Key risks include failure to innovate and adopt advanced technologies, driven by slow digital progress, data illiteracy and initial automation errors that undermine SANBS’ ability to meet evolving healthcare needs. Uncertainties around cybersecurity, regulation and other risk exposures further threaten the efficiency, sustainability and compliance of our systems. We are mindful of safeguarding information privacy.
Opportunities and strategic response to create value
Build an integrated digital foundation by scaling Business Intelligence and analytics, broadening cloud adoption and rolling out BECS Phase 2, enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making and end-to-end workflow automation.
Innovate product delivery with pilots like smart fridges and decentralised blood hubs, alongside digitised lab processes and optimised logistics to shorten requisition-to-delivery times.
Correct and prevent manual errors: Following a spike in administrative mistakes caused by manual transcription, equipment and connectivity challenges and process gaps, SANBS launched a comprehensive intervention that upgraded infrastructure, automated workflows, embedded stronger process controls and retrained staff, resulting in a marked reduction in errors.
Strengthen cybersecurity with advanced threat-detection, incident-response protocols and ongoing employee training to safeguard sensitive donor and patient data.
Outlook for the year ahead
- Leverage BECS implementation to unlock synergies, drive efficiencies and enhance data analytics
- Expand internal Business Intelligence (BI) capacity, change-management expertise and skills maturity to accelerate AI/Machine Learning (ML) adoption
- Roll out data-literacy training to empower teams and free BI to focus on high-value initiatives
- Finalise a formal cloud strategy and roadmap
- Establish governance for responsible AI, ML and emerging-tech use
- Integrate AI-driven solutions into key workflows
- Conduct an annual Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resource-planning review to ensure people, processes and technology align with our strategic goals
Top risks
Capitals impacted
Strategic priorities
