What a Pharma Cold Chain Early Warning System Needs

Throughout the years, pharma cold chain monitoring technologies have greatly improved. Manual data collection, for instance, have evolved to data loggers with automated logging. In addition, mobile phones can now be used to sync data loggers with Bluetooth devices.

Indeed, today’s advancements in technology have resolved data availability issues. Then again, there are still gaps that exist, such as lack of real-time, real, and relevant data that elicit response. Basically, there is no early warning system in place.

With this being said, you need a reliable and efficient pharma cold chain early warning system in place.

Pharma Cold Chains

In essence, a cold chain has more moving parts and breakdown scopes than a regular supply chain, making it the most vulnerable type. A pharma cold chain, on the other hand, involves a supply chain, temperature control, and compliance. It is very much exposed to risk and actually has a lot of compliance requirements.

This is why you have to be very careful when you deal with pharma cold chains. A seemingly nominal change in temperature, for example, can have a significant impact on a certain medicine. A slight delay on the delivery of a package that contains vital drugs can also have severe consequences.

With this being said, it is necessary to do your best to mitigate such risks. Develop a risk management plan that can minimize errors. Create a pharma cold chain early warning system that can help you gather relevant data and take the necessary action.

How about a data logger?

Data loggers have traditionally been used to collect information about the state or condition of goods. While they may have been useful in the past, they may no longer be relevant today, especially since the information they provide is very limited. Usually, data loggers are only able to state the temperature of the goods.

You need something that can give you actionable and relevant information with real-time visibility. You need an early warning system that can help reduce unnecessary losses caused by damaged goods as well as produce better brand image, supply chain performance, and market share.

Ideally, you should go for a cloud-based, wireless monitoring system that can help you keep track of shipment temperature in real-time. You should get a system that can give you useful information in an instant so that you no longer have to go through spreadsheets. This would allow you to see early warning signs, take necessary actions as soon as possible, and prevent damages.

What to Look for In an Early Warning System

There are different early warning systems available out there. When you search for one, see to it that you consider the following six essential features:

Accurate Data

The data that pertains to the condition, location, temperature, tamper, humidity, and vibration of the goods has to be accurate. It also has to cover the required temperature range.

Take note that any change in condition, whether big or small, can have a notable difference on the package. With accurate data, you can effectively identify the real state of your goods and monitor them better.

Package-Level Sensing

Small pharma cold chain consignments tend to be at risk of temperature excursion. Hence, it is necessary to monitor at a package-level and keep their condition in check. After all, packages are not equal in terms of sensitivity or exposure.

Package-level sensing is also crucial during break-bulk or whenever the cargo gets desegregated and delivered by air. The packages are tracked as they are reconsolidated. They also require the use of non-Lithium sensor batteries in order to abide by the International Air Transport Association regulations.

Live and Predictive Data

It is important to obtain data in real-time. This way, you can make good and quick decisions. Since you are dealing with vaccine vials, medicines, and other delicate goods, you need to obtain live data that can help you keep them in top shape.

Also, you have to ensure that the devices you use to obtain data can function even when there is no Internet connection. They should be able to save and store your data to be sent to the cloud at a later time.

Furthermore, you need to have predictive data. You should be able to know that something might go wrong before it actually does. For instance, your system should be able to warn you of any possible temperature excursion based on past and current condition trends.

Analytics on the Go

Your system should involve a predictive analytics suite that can help you make evidence-based and sensible decisions to prevent risk and improve efficiency. It should also support real-time Mean Kinetic Temperature. This way, you would be able to identify the damage degree with respect to a specific variation level in the condition of your package.

Responsiveness

Aside from giving you useful and accurate data, your system should also be able to reduce response time by acting on incidents as soon as possible. It should feature this threefold plan: Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Process Automation.

Internet of Things allow for timely identification of delay or condition variation. Artificial Intelligence allows for timely decision-making based on data as well as eliminates human intervention. Robotic Process Automation allows for the timely implementation of such decisions.

Pharma Compliance

Pharma products are shipped internationally. Thus, you need to consider the different sensor certifications and regulations involved. To ensure that your shipment stays in compliance with these, you should only use an authentic and globally compliant platform. Your system should be NIST-certified, which means that it has already been tested for temperature accuracy compliance.

Choosing the right pharma cold chain would surely be beneficial to your business. It would help you save money and reduce unnecessary expenditures on spillage, delays, and theft. It would also prevent any unfortunate incidents in the workplace. You need to have the right early warning system to make your business grow.