Assessing the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Germany

This paper examines the optimization potential within the physical distribution of vaccines, focusing on the case of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Germany. The analysis uses a literature-based potential audit consisting of five steps: analysis of requirements, performance, processes, structures, and benchmarking. The analysis identified bottlenecks in vaccine distribution, such as coordination of ingredient sourcing, packaging facilities, and demand-driven allocation issues, and showed that the decentralized distribution structure led to inefficiencies. Better communication and use of existing supply chain structures could have improved the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine in Germany.