Yesterday (dot #4008), I wrote about taking advantage of existing distribution systems rather than creating new ones. That seems to be the operating principle for Amazon, which is now branching out to Amazon Health and Amazon Pharmacy. I guess they are taking “A to Z” literally.
On one hand, it makes sense to utilize the complex distribution system that spans from ordering to delivery stations, even though transporting restricted substances is much different than leaving a book on someone’s doorstep. Delivering a service — including in-person primary care and 24/7 virtual care — is also a big leap from transporting commodities.
Amazon is large enough to absorb any missteps or risks, and big enough to invest the capital required to begin two new enterprises. But for most of us, staying closer to our core may be the path to a healthy organization.
