With this process, which is less than 3 years old, come various problems across multiple areas. Some of the most prominent issues are the lack of available tests and appointments, long wait times for test results, and inaccurate testing results. Additionally, there are issues around the limited resources and staffing of those testing facilities and the constantly changing parameters around Covid-19 and the rules and regulations communicated by the CDC.

In this discussion, the focus will revolve around a problem that CVS is responsible for and is able to make adjustments to remediate that issue. The leading problem is the long wait times for test appointments, specifically the turnaround time from scheduling the appointment to being able to have a swab done. This is due, in part, to the strong push for vaccination and increased marketing by CVS, which has caused a decrease in focus on testing and the supply of tests. (NY TIMES REFERENCE). CVS has administered roughly 17 million vaccinations while only administering 6 million tests in its second quarter of 2021 (NY POST). This number has only increased since then. Coming off of the holiday season, many people reported not having the access to tests required to travel, or were unable to get a test knowing they were exposed at a family gathering (WSJ Article). CVS is doing a disservice to its customers by not being able to provide testing to those who need or want it. Solving this problem will allow for CVS to serve the community it is in, providing critical testing to those in need.

Consider all alternative solutions to the problem, and their pros and cons. Then chose a solution to implement.

1) Brainstorm all solutions to the problem.

2) State the pros and cons of each solution (including those later rejected), which may involve finding costs involved and using tools like payback time and NPV, if necessary.

3) Choose a solution(s) and state why you chose it.