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A dependable and secure supply chain is essential in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical aggregation helps achieve this by connecting individual products to their packaging in a clear system. This method enhances compliance, boosts efficiency, and ensures patient safety. Let’s explore how these aggregation strategies work and the key benefits they offer.

COMPLIANCE: MEETING REGULATORY STANDARDS

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

Pharmaceutical companies must follow stringent rules such as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) in the U.S. and global Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. Aggregation is key to maintaining compliance:

Comprehensive Tracking and Reporting: Barcode scanning throughout the supply chain creates detailed records of product movements and conditions. This ensures all data is current and ready for reporting.

Adapting to Specific Regulations: Various countries, like Russia with CRPT and the UAE with Tatmeen, have unique aggregation requirements. Flexible systems are necessary to comply with these different regulations.

EFFICIENCY: IMPROVING SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS

Enhancing Supply Chain Processes

Aggregation greatly boosts the efficiency of supply chain operations by refining shipping and product data management:

Easier Inventory Management: Grouping individual packages into larger units simplifies tracking and managing inventory. This approach cuts costs and lowers error rates, making the supply chain more streamlined and dependable.

Quick Decommissioning and Returns: Aggregation enables fast decommissioning of containers, which is crucial if products are damaged during transit. It also improves the handling of inventory returns and specific product recalls, reducing unnecessary recalls.

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REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE: STREAMLINED OPERATIONS, KEEPING PATIENTS SAFE AND STOPPING FAKE DRUGS

Better Tracking and Monitoring

Galderma, a global dermatology leader, proactively implemented serialization and aggregation solutions beyond regulatory compliance. Partnering with OPTEL, the company integrated automated systems to assign unique serial numbers and create a “parent-child” relationship between packaging levels. This enhanced visibility across production, improved product reconciliation, and optimized warehouse operations, including recalls and reverse logistics. By anticipating future regulations, Galderma streamlined compliance while positioning itself for smarter supply chain management. The move not only ensured accuracy in tracking but also reinforced brand trust through transparency, meeting growing consumer demands for authenticity and quality assurance.

A top global pharmaceutical company in Japan needed serialization and aggregation solutions for its Netherlands-based lines to comply with international regulations. Facing high-speed production (100–300 CPM), space constraints, and a tight six-month deadline, the company sought an efficient, cost-effective solution. OPTEL successfully integrated six InspectProof™ systems into existing cartoners, enabling seamless serialization without disrupting operations. Additionally, BundleTracker™ and PackStation™ SAP solutions were deployed to facilitate aggregation and supply chain visibility. OPTEL’s flexible, tailored approach ensured compliance while optimizing costs and operational efficiency.

Rapid Recalls

In cases of quality issues or required product recalls, aggregation technology enables rapid, targeted responses. By tracing the hierarchical relationships in packaging units, companies can promptly identify and recall specific units or batches, thus minimizing patient impact and risk of adverse outcomes.

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IMPLEMENTATION AND BEST PRACTICES

Open Interfaces and Easy Operation

Efficient aggregation requires seamless integration into existing systems. OPTEL Track & Trace systems provide open interfaces, simplifying the integration process and ensuring accurate recording and storage of all serialization and aggregation steps.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Expertise

Companies like Galderma highlight the importance of innovative technology and skilled personnel to uphold high aggregation standards. This includes rigorous quality controls and a strong framework to prevent counterfeit drugs from entering the supply chain.

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FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN

Flexibility and Adaptability

The pharmaceutical sector is inherently dynamic, with constantly evolving regulations. Flexible aggregation solutions are essential for adapting to new export markets and regulatory changes, ensuring long-term compliance and success in a global economy

Fast Plug-and-Play Solutions

For companies seeking swift aggregation implementation, OPTEL offers rapid serialization and aggregation automation in a short period of time. Such timely implementation can drastically enhance supply chain efficiency and compliance without disrupting ongoing operations.

CONCLUSION

Pharmaceutical aggregation transcends mere regulatory mandates into a strategic component that amplifies supply chain compliance, efficiency, and safety. By adopting advanced aggregation systems, pharmaceutical companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure product integrity and safety. As the industry evolves, adopting aggregation will be vital for maintaining a competitive edge and protecting patient well-being.

If you’re committed to enhancing your supply chain operations, explore the benefits of pharmaceutical aggregation. Whether it’s compliance with DSCSA, inventory optimization, or anti-counterfeiting protection, aggregation offers a holistic solution. Invest in your supply chain’s future and ensure the safe, efficient delivery of products to patients.

 

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