Securing the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
How does a major pharmaceutical wholesaler be fully compliant with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) across an expansive network of distribution centers (DCs) — each with its own unique requirements? They rely on their value chain tech partner to help them flexibly address space, labor and budget constraints on a case-by-case basis.
With so many variables, determining how best to facilitate DSCSA scanning can be daunting. Some of the wholesaler’s DCs have A-frame autopickers. Some don’t. Some have serious space constraints. Others are finding it extremely difficult to find, train and retain labor.
One solution definitely does not fit all when it comes to compliance. The pharma wholesaler is addressing DSCSA today with a range of options that includes everything from fully-automated inline scanning to highly efficient and ergonomic manual scanning stations. Here’s how.
Efficient, ergonomic and affordable.
In DCs where the budget is highly restrictive and throughput requirements are not aggressive, the pharmaceutical wholesaler can add manual scanning stations.
- Ergonomic workstations have cameras embedded in them
- Operators simply slide items over the cameras to capture data
- Stations can be flexibly positioned throughout the warehouse
Workstations with embedded cameras are more efficient and worker-friendly than handheld scanners for complying with DSCSA’s enhanced transaction data requirements.
Fulfill legal requirements with some automation.
In DCs where labor is not the overriding issue, semi-automated scanning makes sense. In this case:
- A person empties containers with already-picked orders into the scanning system
- A patented smart camera system scans each item, capturing information from 1D barcodes and 2D matrix codes
- Cutting-edge image recognition and processing software ensures SKUs can be seamlessly traced along the entire length of the supply chain
This system has fulfilled the new regulatory requirements at every stage thus far.
Top DSCSA Distributor Concerns
- Collaboration with partners
- Technical challenges
- Establishing standards
- Connectivity and related security
–Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) 2022 Serialization Readiness Survey
Compliance with no additional FTEs.
In DCs that have no A-Frame autopickers and no desire to add additional workers, fully-automated scanning makes sense. In this case:
- Containers are automatically emptied and items automatically separated on a conveyor system
- Items are conveyed through a scan tunnel, then gently filled back into the order containers
- DSCSA data capture and quality check is fully automated and 100% accurate
The system scans about 3,600 items per hour. It’s all controlled by intelligent logistics software and doesn’t further complicate an already-challenging labor situation. The fully-automated offline system captures security features, lot information and data marks with:
- No additional touches
- No extra people
- No compliance worries
The Go-Live for this vision system was also in 2018. It too functions as both a quality check system and provides scanning for DSCSA compliance.
Retrofit for fully-automated quality, security and efficiency.
In DCs where the wholesaler has an A-Frame autopicker, a central belt system retrofit makes sense. In this case, a central vision system with fully-automated scanning easily integrates into the autopicker and resides at the end of the A-frame.
A highly advanced camera system enables comprehensive data capture for lot, date and serial number tracking. Advanced vision software:
- Processes more than 20,000 order lines per day
- Picks up to 250,000 items per hour
- Checks accuracy for 100% order check
The system scans all SKUs in the A-Frame autopicker.
- Single items are processed rapidly, cost effectively and with end to-end traceability
- Retrofits are compatible with older systems
- Existing mechanical components remain unchanged
The Go-Live for this fully-automated inline scanning system was 2018. It also functions both as a quality check system and handles scanning for DSCSA compliance.
On track for DSCSA compliance.
Being fully compliant with DSCSA will make it easier for healthcare to:
- Identify and investigate suspect or illegitimate products
- Trace products back to their origin
- Quickly perform recalls if necessary
Not only were they able to build a fully interoperable electronic system for tracking and tracing drug products,they enabled new business models with the same systems. And they were able to do it in the way that makes best sense for their DCs thanks to:
- System modularity
- Intelligent logistics software
- Sector-specific expertise
