How AI is Revolutionizing Capital Planning and Supply Chain in Health Systems

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, host Lukas Voss interviews Fruleka Akula, Chief Data and AI Officer at Trimedix, about how artificial intelligence is transforming capital planning and supply chain management in healthcare systems. Akula explains that traditional capital planning is a slow, static process that can take weeks or months, whereas AI enables dynamic, real-time, scenario-based modeling that supports continuous decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of integrating fragmented data—such as device utilization, age, cybersecurity risks, and parts availability—into a unified system to drive smarter investments. The conversation highlights the critical gap between predictive maintenance and supply chain execution, where disconnected systems lead to reactive break-fix scenarios, patient rescheduling, revenue loss, and inefficient inventory practices. AI bridges these silos, enabling proactive procurement and minimizing downtime, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency. Akula also discusses the strategic value of multi-vendor intelligence and benchmarking against peer health systems to ensure capital decisions are both data-driven and competitive. She stresses that AI doesn't replace human judgment but enhances it by providing faster, more accurate insights that help leaders justify investments to executives and boards. The episode concludes with a strong endorsement of AI as a catalyst for operational resilience, financial sustainability, and improved patient outcomes in healthcare organizations.