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The labor market is already constrained and, given ongoing demographic shifts, conditions are expected to tighten further. To remain competitive, facility design must evolve by integrating automated systems that streamline physical movement, improve throughput, and reduce or eliminate routine, non-value-added tasks. This shift enables organizations to redeploy staff toward higher-value, human-centric activities that enhance service quality and outcomes. At the same time, rapidly advancing technologies are intersecting and compounding, accelerating innovation across operations. Our team brings deep, up-to-date industry insight and will share practical perspectives on how to apply these advancements effectively and sustainably in real-world environments for future success.

Learning Objective 1:
Recognize the current labor challenges, the future demographic trends and the implications of staffing healthcare buildings and clinical operations.

Learning Objective 2:
Understand the advancement of automation technology in industry and recognize how this will translate to facility design to enhance operational efficiency and to improve operational efficiency by reducing/eliminating menial, low value-added tasks.

Learning Objective 3:
Understand how automation can enable better use of human capital.

Learning Objective 4:
Appreciate the potential of emerging technologies and their implications to transform operational tasks.

Presenter Bios:

Jim Kruza, Sr. Director and Principal, has 32 years of experience in supply chain logistics optimization, including work in healthcare, distribution center design, material handling equipment purchase, implementation and start-up, logistics network design, financial assessment, and transportation management. His verticals of focus include healthcare, life science, pharmaceutical, CPG, and food and beverage.

Ryan Mair, Director, has over 26 years of experience in healthcare/life science design services related to materials management, waste management, environmental services/housekeeping, central sterile processing, materials handling, dock design, and logistics. Project experience includes master planning, programming, design, tender documentation, and construction administration of over 100 facilities worldwide. Systems design includes automated guided vehicles, autonomous mobile robots, electric track vehicle systems, pneumatic trash and linen systems, gravity chute systems, pneumatic tube systems, vertical transportation, etc.