9TECH OUTLOOKAug-Sept - 2018DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals (DSP) is fully convinced that serialization will bring benefits to the Pharma Industry. It will deliver brand protection and it will help combat against counterfeiting. Next to that, the entire supply chain (from manufacturer to pharmacist) will become fully tracked and traceable so that pharmacists can always verify the authenticity of the product before it is dispensed to end-consumers. And in addition, DSP's "Sustainable Antibiotics Program" fits perfectly with the objectives of serialization. This program aims to have sustainable manufacturing and to ensure sustainable use. As such DSP combats here primarily the unsustainable/irresponsible manufacturing while serialization will help the Industry/patients.But the implementation of serialization is not a simple software update; it will be a major operation in the adaptation of software systems, manufacturing equipment, inspection equipment, communication networks, messaging with government bodies, endpoint devices at the pharmacist etc. Therefore DSP started early its serialization project. A few deductions from the DSP's serialization project are summarised:The end-markets drive the speed:· Depending on the end markets where the company is active, serialization is already or will be soon a legal requirement;· New markets come up as Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Russia and Brazil although not always with clear requirements and moving targets in terms of deadlines.Engage your customers and CMO's in time:· As your own customers and CMO's are simply struggling with the same, it is highly recommended to take the lead in serialization and demonstrate leadership as a competitive advantage.Building sufficient time for setbacks:· As this is a new for most companies, it is evitable that there will be technical setbacks in the solution and you need to overcome these challenges.· It is hard to predict availability and level of readiness of on boarding partners. Therefore have a flexible plan that can cope with priority changes.Preparing for success:· Start on time and as early as possible. · Get your best resources in the project.· Select a proper vendor that has proven capabilities.The success of serialization for your company is in the simplicity and practicality in which the recommendations as above can be applied.Conclusion:Coming back to the challenge in the title of this article, the entire industry (from manufacturer till pharmacist) should strive for full compliance as there is too much at stake: The responsible supply of medicines to patients, including lifesaving medicines. And reinforcing that it is a race against the clock. It is the right time to push the accelerator button at all levels. The implementation of serialization is a major operation adapting software systems, manufacturing equipment, inspection equipment, communication networks, and messaging with government bodies or endpoint devices at the pharmacistRobert Jan van der Horst
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