Liat
Liat
Liat
2008
This publication was produced for review by the U.S. Agency for International Development. It was prepared by
the
USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1.
LOGISTICS INDICATORS
ASSESSMENT TOOL (LIAT)
The authors' views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Agency for
International Development or the United States Government.
USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1
The USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1, is funded by the U.S. Agency for International
Development under contract no. GPO-I-01-06-00007-00, beginning September 29, 2006. Task Order 1
is implemented by John Snow, Inc., in collaboration with PATH, Crown Agents Consultancy, Inc.,
Abt Associates, Fuel Logistics Group (Pty) Ltd., UPS Supply Chain Solutions, The Manoff Group,
and 3i Infotech. The project improves essential health commodity supply chains by strengthening
logistics management information systems, streamlining distribution systems, identifying financial
resources for procurement and supply chain operation, and enhancing forecasting and procurement
planning. The project also encourages policymakers and donors to support logistics as a critical factor
in the overall success of their health care mandates.
Recommended Citation
USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1. 2008. Logistics Indicators Assessment Tool (LIAT).
Arlington, Va.: USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, Task Order 1.
Tables
1. Stock Status (Specify a Full Six Month Period Prior to the Survey; and the Day of Visit)
................................................................................................................................... 16
2. Storage Conditions ....................................................................................................... 18
3. LMIS Data Quality: Usable Stock on Hand at Time of Most Recent LMIS Report ......... 20
4. Percentage Difference between Quantity Ordered and Quantity Received .................. 22
5. Order Fill Rate to Be Calculated at Issuing Warehouses .............................................. 23
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ACRONYMS
DK Don’t know
LIAT Logistics Indicators Assessment Tool
LMIS logistics management information system
LPG liquified petroleum gas
MOH Ministry of Health
NGO nongovernmental organization
SDP service delivery point
STI sexually transmitted illness
TB tuberculosis
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LOGISTICS INDICATORS USER’S GUIDE
ASSESSMENT TOOL (LIAT)
USER’S GUIDE
PURPOSE
The Logistics Indicators Assessment Tool (LIAT), a quantitative data collection instrument
developed by USAID | DELIVER PROJECT, is used to conduct a facility-based survey to
assess health commodity logistics system performance and commodity availability at health
facilities. The LIAT can be used to monitor the performance of certain processes involved in
the logistics management of health commodities over time, to evaluate certain outcomes of
logistics interventions, to provide ongoing supervision and performance monitoring, and to
monitor commodity availability.
The data collected using the LIAT can be used to calculate the following core logistics
indicators:
accuracy of logistics data for inventory management
percentage of facilities that receive the quantity of products ordered
percentage of facilities that maintain acceptable storage conditions
percentage of facilities whose stock levels ensure near-term product availability (stock
status)
percentage of facilities that experienced a stockout at any point during a given period or at
the time of the visit.
In addition to these indicators, the data collected can also be used to calculate additional
related indicators, such as duration of stockouts, reasons for stockouts, and more. For a
description of the indicators, refer to the List of Indicators in this manual, following the tool.
Supplemental questions provide additional information about the characteristics of the supply
chain being assessed, such as the use of LMIS information, ordering procedures, transport
systems, supervision frequency, cold chain management, and others.
METHODOLOGY
The LIAT is used to conduct a facility-based survey to collect quantitative data that will be
used to calculate indicators for monitoring and evaluating logistics system performance. It is
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important to have stakeholder’s buy-in for this type of study from the beginning to the end.
The following steps outline the recommended methodology for completing this assessment.
1. Preparatory Work
a. Identify the objectives of the assessment and develop a scope of work based on the
program and/or categories of health commodities to be studied.
b. Secure financing for all the study teams’ costs, including travel and accommodations.
c. Review and adapt the LIAT to meet the objectives identified for the assessment, as well
as to meet ongoing monitoring needs.
d. Determine the appropriate sample size and develop the sampling frame of the facilities
to be visited. The main purpose of the sampling design is to avoid a convenience
sample. Randomly select the facilities as much as possible.
To calculate the sample size and select sites—
Compile a list of the total number of facilities in the country.
Document the total number of each type of facility (warehouse, hospital, service
delivery point [SDP]), and the location and distribution of facilities.
Ensure that all parties involved agree to the criteria for the selection of sites.
For a statistically significant sample, use a standard sampling formula, which often
yields a large sample size. In case of resource constraints, visit a default number of a
minimum of 100 facilities or 15% of facilities, whichever is smaller.
Determine the sampling frame by stratifying for each type of facility in the
country; evaluators should randomly select sites proportionally within each
stratum, without breaking the supply chain between levels. In other words, select
higher level warehouses first, then randomly select districts within selected regions,
randomly select SDPs within selected districts, etc.
e. Recruit study team members. The following qualifications for study members should
be considered—
experience in field surveys
willingness to commit to a 3–4 week full-time assignment
physical ability to travel in both urban and potentially difficult rural settings
familiarity with the areas to be visited and local health care system
detail oriented
good communication skills
fluency in local languages a plus
ability to work as a member of a team
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advanced degree, preferably in public health
quantitative research skills
knowledge of logistics systems (desirable).
f. Obtain written authorization for study team members to visit facilities (where
needed).
g. Prepare itineraries and logistical arrangements for study team travel and
accommodations.
h. Prepare study team training curriculum. Ideally, the curriculum should include at least
two days of classroom activities (review and discussion of the assessment tool), one day
to field test the tool, and one day of classroom discussion to finalize the tool and
prepare for the field work. Examples of curricula from past training can by obtained
from USAID | DELIVER PROJECT. This training should stress the importance of
proper completion of surveys. Experience has shown that incomplete surveys cannot
be used and are, therefore, a waste of time, energy, and money.
i. Schedule a meeting to be held at the end of the assessment to present preliminary
findings to stakeholders in the country.
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b. Review completed questionnaires to clarify any data inconsistencies. This is a very
important step to ensure the study team is collecting complete and accurate data. A
schedule for teams to send completed questionnaires back to the assessment
coordinator should be developed.
c. Schedule a call with survey teams to discuss completed surveys. Provide feedback to
data collectors and clarify any issues.
d. Enter the data collected into the chosen database or spreadsheet.
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LOGISTICS INDICATORS
ASSESSMENT TOOL (LIAT)
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INTERVIEWER’S GUIDE
Facility Identification Record the name of the facility and location. Using the
codes provided for each question, place all other responses
in the boxes on the right.
Information about Interview Record the date the interview took place and list the names
of the interviewers.
Introduction Use the text here to guide your introduction of the survey
to facility staff.
Questions 101 to 117 Record responses by clearly circling either the number or
letter that corresponds to the interviewee’s response.
Questions with letters may have multiple responses;
questions with numbers have only a single response.
Questions 118 to 122 These questions are to be asked at facilities that are part of a
cold chain system.
Questions 123 to 126 The following questions in this section should be asked of
the storeroom manager.
Table 1: Stock Status Record the maximum months of stock, minimum months
of stock, and order interval above the table. If the
interviewee does not know these, mark DK as the response.
To fill in the cells, follow the instructions above the table.
Table 2: Storage Conditions Record observations on the main storage area (even if it is a
cabinet) by responding to storage conditions 1 to 14 for
every facility visited. For large storage areas that require
stacking of multiple boxes, continue to complete storage
conditions 15 to 17.
Table 3: Data Quality Complete the table for all or for a selection of products.
Table 4: Forecast Accuracy Complete the table for all or for a selection of products.
Table 5: Order Fill Rate Complete the table for all or for a selection of products.
End Interview Ask the interviewee/s if they want to ask you any
questions. Thank them for their time and cooperation.
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Facility Services and Infrastructure
FACILITY IDENTIFICATION
Facility location
City/town: _____________________________________
Facility characteristics:
Tarmac to the facility? (0=no; 1=yes) ................................. Tarmac ....................................................
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INFORMATION ABOUT INTERVIEW
Interviewer/s: __________________________________
_____________________________________________
Introduction
Introduce all team members and ask facility representatives to introduce themselves.
The results of this national survey will provide information to make decisions and to promote improvements. The
survey has been/will be conducted again in the future to measure changes in the logistics system.
We would like to ask the supply manager a series of questions about the products and supplies available at this
facility. In addition, we would like to actually count selected products you have in stock today and observe the
general storage conditions.
Ask the in-charge to introduce the team to the person managing commodities. Extend the invitation to the
in-charge to stay with the team but explain that we are aware that they have other responsibilities. Offer to
check back with him/her before leaving the facility.
Title: _______________________
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03. Number of years and months you have
worked at this facility? Years: ______ Months: ________
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First, ask the following questions of the in-charge or acting facility manager. After asking questions 101–
122, visit the warehouse, storeroom, or storage area where the health products listed are managed. If you
are referred to another staff member for the stocktaking exercise, introduce the survey goals and
objectives as you did during the introduction. Hand the respondent the list of products that are included
in the survey, and explain that we will refer to the list for some of the following questions.
Go To/
No. Questions Code Classification
Comments
Do you use the following stock keeping logistics forms to manage health products in this facility?
Yes 1
C. other
No 0
Yes 1
A. insert name of country-specific forms
102 No 0
. Yes 1
B. insert name of country-specific forms
No 0
Yes 1
103 A. stock on hand
No 0
.
Yes 1
B. quantities used
No 0
Yes 1
C. losses and adjustments
No 0
Does a completed LMIS report include the following? (must be verified with completed report)
Yes 1
104 A. stock on hand No 0
. Completed report not available 9
Yes 1
B. quantities used No 0
Completed report not available 9
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Yes 1
C. losses and adjustments No 0
Completed report not available 9
Monthly ............................................. A
How often are these LMIS reports sent to Quarterly B
105
the higher level? Semi-annually C
.
(Circle all that apply.) Annually .......................................... D
Other________________________ W
Never ............................................... 1
Within the last month 2
106 When was the last time you sent an
2 months ago ................................... 3
. order/report for products at this facility?
3 months ago ................................... 3
More than 3 months ago .................. 4
How did you learn to complete the During a logistics workshop ............. A
109 forms/records used at this facility? On-the-job training ........................... B
. (Circle all that apply.) Never been trainied ......................... C
Other (specify) ________________ W
None ................................................. 0
1 ....................................................... 1
How many emergency orders for
2 ....................................................... 2
110 _______ (product of interest, e.g.,
3 ....................................................... 3
. contraceptives, STI drugs, etc.) have you
More than 3 4
placed in the last 3 months?
NA .................................................... 9
Yes 1
Did your last supervision visit include
No 0
117 drug management (e.g., stock cards
Don’t know 9
. checked, reports checked, expired stock
removed, storage conditions checked)?
Go To/
No. Questions Code Classification
Comments
If the study team is studying a cold chain logistics system, answer questions 118–122. If not, go to question
123, next page.
If “No” or
Yes (specify number ____ ) “Not
Do you have a functioning refrigerator(s) to 1 applicable”
118.
store vaccines and/or HIV test kits? No 0 skip to
Not applicable 9 Question
123.
Thank you for your time and information. You have been very helpful. Our remaining questions will require
looking at products in the storeroom and speaking with the person who oversees the store.
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When in the Store Room (if with a different person) repeat the introduction to the survey and data collection
team members.
Name: _____________________
Name and title and mobile phone number of
Title: _______________________
123. person interviewed for this survey
Mobile number: ______________
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Table 1. Stock Status (Specify a full six month period prior to the survey; and the day of visit)
Column:
1. Name of all authorized products that will be counted
2. Unit of count for the product
Note: Columns 1 and 2 should be filled out before questionnaires are printed for the survey.
3. Whether or not the product is managed at this facility, answer Y for yes or N if no. Note that for some products, at certain levels all facilities
should manage the product. In such cases, this column should be marked Y.
4. Record the quantity of product in an open container. Estimate the quantity of the product to 1/4, 1/2. or 3/4 full using the smaller unit of
count established in column 2.
5. Record if the facility is experiencing a stockout of the product on the day of the visit, according to the physical inventory, answer Y for yes
or N for no.
6. Record the quantity of expired products. Count all expired products on the day of the visit. If there are products that are near expiry (within
one week), note in the comments section.
7. Check if the stock card is available, answer Y for yes or N for no.
8. Check if the stock card had been updated within the last 30 days, answer Y for yes or N for no. Note: If the stock card was last updated
with the balance of 0 and the facility has not received any resupply, consider the stock card up-to-date.
9. Record the balance on the stock card.
10. Record if the facility has had any stockout of the product during the most recent 6 full months before the survey, answer Y for yes or N for
no.
11. Record how many times the product stocked out during the most recent full 6 months before the survey according to stock cards, if
available, or to a key informant if not. Note source information.
12. Record the total number of days the product was stocked out during the most recent full 6 months before the survey.
13. Record the quantity of product dispensed to users or issued from the storeroom during the most recent 6 months before the survey.
14. Record the number of days the issued data represents (may be less than 180 if you are looking at 6 months of data); record the days for
which there is any data recorded, including 0.
Note: For any product that experienced a stockout in the last six months (including the day of the visit), please note reasons (by product).
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Note: For any product that experienced a stockout in the last 6 months (including the day of visit), please note reasons (by product).
Are stock cards and reports completed using the smallest unit of count? Y/N
Stockout Total
Physical most Total issued Number of
Units Managed inventory Stockout Quantity Stock card Stock card Balance recent 6 number of (most days of
of at this — Store today? of expired available? updated? on stock months Number of days recent 6 data
Product count facility? room (Y/N) products (Y/N) (Y/N) card (Y/N) stockouts stocked out months) available
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Comments:
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Table 2. Storage Conditions
Items 1–14 should be assessed for all facilities for products that are ready to be issued or
distributed to clients. Place a check mark in the appropriate column based on visual
inspection of the storage facility; note any relevant observations in the comments column. To
qualify as “yes,” all products and cartons must meet the criteria for each item.
No Description No Yes Comments
Products that are ready for distribution are arranged
01. so that identification labels and expiry dates and/or
manufacturing dates are visible.
Products are stored and organized in a manner
02. accessible for first-to-expire, first-out (FEFO)
counting and general management.
Cartons and products are in good condition, not
crushed due to mishandling. If cartons are open,
03. determine if products are wet or cracked due to
heat/radiation (fluorescent lights in the case of
condoms, cartons right-side up for Depo-Provera®).
The facility makes it a practice to separate
04. damaged and/or expired products from usable
products and removes them from inventory.
05. Products are protected from direct sunlight.
Cartons and products are protected from water and
06.
humidity.
Storage area is visually free from harmful insects
07. and rodents. (Check the storage area for traces of
bats and/or rodents [droppings or insects].)
Storage area is secured with a lock and key, but is
08. accessible during normal working hours; access is
limited to authorized personnel.
Products are stored at the appropriate temperature
09.
according to product temperature specifications.
Roof is maintained in good condition to avoid
10.
sunlight and water penetration.
Storeroom is maintained in good condition (clean,
11. all trash removed, sturdy shelves, organized
boxes).
The current space and organization is sufficient for
existing products and reasonable expansion (i.e.,
12.
receipt of expected product deliveries for
foreseeable future).
Fire safety equipment is available and accessible
13. (any item identified as being used to promote fire
safety should be considered).
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Products are stored separately from insecticides
14.
and chemicals.
The additional standards below can be applied to any facility large enough to require stacking of
multiple boxes.
No. Description No Yes Comments
15. Products are stacked at least 10 cm off the floor.
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Table 3. LMIS Data Quality: Usable Stock on Hand at Time of Most Recent LMIS Report
Column:
1. List the same products as in table 1 or use a sample of those products. Include only those products that are managed by the
facility. (Note: Do this before finalizing the questionnaire and making photocopies.)
2. Get the most recent LMIS report showing the selected products, and record the stock on hand from the LMIS report in
column 2.
3. Write the quantity of usable stock on hand from the stock records from the time of the selected LMIS report.
4. Calculate the percentage of discrepancy by subtracting quantities of stock on hand from the LMIS report (column 2) from
quantities of stock on hand from stock records (from time of LMIS report [column 3], divide this by quantities of stock on
hand from stock record [column 3], and multiply by 100). Note: This calculation can be made during the analysis phase of the
survey and the column may be removed from the data collection tool.
5. Note the reasons for any discrepancy.
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Table 4. Percentage Difference between Quantity Ordered and Quantity Received
Column:
1. List the same products as in table 1 or use a sample of those products. (Note: Do this before finalizing the questionnaire and
making photocopies.)
2. Enter the quantity ordered for the last order period for which products should have been received (i.e., don’t include open
orders whose expected receipt date has not arrived).
3. Enter the date the order was placed.
4. Enter the quantity received in the last order.
5. Enter the date the order was received.
Quantity Ordered
Method/Brand/ For Last Order Quantity Received In
Product Period Date Order Placed Last Order/Procurement Date Order Received
1 2 3 4 5
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Table 5. Order Fill Rate to Be Calculated at Issuing Warehouses
Instructions
1. Fill in all authorized products of interest in column 1. (Note: Do this before finalizing the questionnaire and making
photocopies.)
2. Obtain order forms received by this warehouse during the 3 months prior to the beginning month of the current survey (e.g.,
if the current survey runs from September to October, obtain order forms for the months of June, July, and August). Obtain
forms corresponding to each lower-level facility to be visited during the survey and complete a separate table for each lower-
level facility.
3. Obtain issues records that correspond to each order, if not shown on the order forms.
4. In the appropriate space at the top of each table, write in the name of the lower-level facility that made an order to this issuing
facility during the 3 months in question.
5. Under each ordering facility, enter the quantity that was ordered by the lower level and the amount that was supplied or
issued by this facility. This information is used to calculate the line order fill rate. The total order fill rate can be calculated
later by determining the percentage of facilities in which quantity supplied was equal to the quantity ordered for all listed
products.
6. Record any notes or comments about why orders weren’t filled in their entirety.
7. Use as many pages as needed to collect data for all facilities to be visited during the assessment.
Quantity ordered Quantity supplied Quantity ordered Quantity supplied Quantity ordered Quantity supplied
Product
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NAME OF FACILITY PLACING ORDER:_______________________
MONTH 1 MONTH 2 MONTH 3
Quantity ordered Quantity supplied Quantity ordered Quantity supplied Quantity ordered Quantity supplied
Product
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NAME OF FACILITY PLACING ORDER:_______________________
MONTH 1 MONTH 2 MONTH 3
Quantity ordered Quantity supplied Quantity ordered Quantity supplied Quantity ordered Quantity supplied
Product
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Ask the person/people you interviewed if they want to ask you any questions.
Comments or general observations on products management:
Thank the person/people who talked with you. Reiterate how they have helped the program
achieve its objectives, and assure them that the results will be used to develop improvements in
logistics system performance.
Notes/Comments:
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LIST OF LIAT INDICATORS
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LIST OF LIAT INDICATORS
The following indicators can be measured using data collected from the Logistics Indicators
Assessment Tool (LIAT). For a full description of each indicator refer to the Monitoring and
Evaluation Indicators for Assessing Logistics Systems Performance publication available through USAID |
DELIVER PROJECT.
3. INDICATOR: Percentage Difference between the Quantity of Products Ordered and the
Quantity of Products Received.
5. INDICATOR: Percentage of Facilities that Experienced a Stockout at Any Point during a Given
Time Period.
RELATED INDICATOR: Percentage of facilities stocked out of any product on day of visit.
RELATED INDICATOR: Percentage of facilities fully stocked (all products) on the day of
visit.
RELATED INDICATOR: Mean duration of stockouts.
RELATED INDICATOR: Mean number of products stocked out/in stock on day of visit.
RELATED INDICATOR: Percentage of products stocked out/not stocked out at any time
during past 6 (or 12) months.
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RELATED INDICATOR: Mean number of times each method was stocked out in the past 6
(or 12) months.
7. INDICATOR: Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) between Forecasted Consumption and
Actual Consumption of a Product.
RELATED INDICATOR: Average MAPE of multiple products.
9. INDICATOR: Order Fill Rate (or Percentage of Orders Placed that are Filled Correctly).
10. INDICATOR: Inventory Accuracy Rate (or Accuracy of Stock Balance for Inventory
Management).
RELATED INDICATOR: Percentage discrepancy between stock record balance and physical
inventory (by product).
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RELATED INDICATOR: Value of unusable stock as a percentage of total item purchases.
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For more information, please visit www.deliver.jsi.com.
USAID | DELIVER PROJECT
John Snow, Inc.
1616 Fort Myer Drive, 11th Floor
Arlington, VA 22209 USA
Phone: 703-528-7474
Fax: 703-528-7480
Email: [email protected]
Internet: deliver.jsi.com