Introducing the vaccine Stock Management Tool (SMT)
Your trusted free, ready-to-use, online solution for effective vaccine management.
The challenge
Immunization is a global health and development success story, saving millions of lives every year. The vaccine supply chain is fundamental to a good health care system and must be designed and effectively managed to ensure a consistent and uninterrupted supply of vaccines. One of the major challenges facing the success of many immunization programs worldwide is shortages of vaccines at health facilities, coming from inadequate vaccine stock management.
Unavailability of quality data and end-to-end visibility of vaccines makes it difficult for decision makers to effectively manage the supply chain to prevent stock outs and wastage.
The solution
Digitalization of the supply chain brings end-to-end visibility of supplies and equipment, enabling managers to make informed decisions that help reach immunization goals.
To support countries in taking a step towards a digital future, UNICEF and WHO developed the next generation Stock Management Tool (SMT), building on more than 15 years of experience with previous versions of the tool. The SMT is a free and ready-to-use, online stock management tool that can be easily implemented at all levels of the vaccine supply chain. For locations where internet access is not reliable, an offline option is available.
The SMT is used to record day to day operations at vaccine stores, facilitating stock visibility across levels and providing an effective way to monitor supplies and cold chain equipment. The online SMT aggregates and visualizes information from all vaccine stores and makes it easier for vaccine managers to use data to support operational decisions, plan, and budget for the immunization program.
Why use the SMT?
- Free for all users. Countries using the SMT do not need to pay for annual licenses, nor for installation.
- Software upgrades as well as regular maintenance of the platform are covered by UNICEF.
- Ready-to-use, facilitating implementation in countries with limited technical capacity to develop a custom solution.
- User-friendly. The simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to introduce the SMT at all levels of the supply chain.
- Can be used online and offline. This flexibility enables users to make the most of the SMT functionalities even in locations where internet access is unreliable.
- Provides for day-to-day stock related operations as well as aggregated visuals at store and national levels for improved management.
- Includes key performance indicators. Vaccine managers can identify gaps and weaknesses in the vaccine supply chain.
- All data is secured and confidential. Only users in country, authorized by the EPI management, are able access the data.
- Training is provided. Countries introducing the next generation SMT and those transitioning from previous versions receive technical guidance from UNICEF and WHO and have access to a variety of training resources and opportunities.
- Help is available. Users can access technical support through a tiered system, ensuring minimum down time when managing essential supplies.
The SMT explained
In English
In French
Portuguese subtitles
Russian subtitles
eSMT demo
Answers from SMT users
In English
In French
For more information about the SMT, get in touch at smt@unicef.org or visit the SMT platform.
