It is well known that the counterfeiting of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices is a real and constant threat to patient safety. This is a global issue that doesn’t recognize borders of trade agreement and its supply chain is fast to react to new opportunities.
Industry regulators have introduced a variety of schemes to address these problems from protecting the packaging to securing the supply chain. These involve government issued devices such as vignettes and holograms as well as the more topical information technology-based ePedigree and mass Serialization solutions where an authentication and data trail is created.
Survey Says..
In a recent global survey, “The Battle to Combat Counterfeits with Serialization” conducted by PRISYM ID, 86% of the participants surveyed believe there needs to be tighter legislative controls to effectively beat counterfeiting, and the vast majority believe counterfeit products have a substantial impact on their profits and brand.
Out of the many methods available to protect against counterfeiting, the majority of participants said one of the methods they have implemented or plan to implement is Serialization.
Interestingly, in the same survey, Serialization came up as the second choice for the most effective protection against counterfeiting, with covert product markings taking the lead at 31%. When we drilled down into the business benefits that can be expected from Serialization, ‘improved customer experience’ was number one with ‘reduced thefts’, ‘improved forecasting and product planning’, and ‘improved distribution and returns processes’ all following closely behind.
Although over a third of the group surveyed were unsure about whether Serialization would require significant changes to their current processes, they were clear that the number one choice for the biggest organizational challenge to rolling out serialization was uncertainty around regulations and deadlines.
Regarding the impact serialization would have on their organization, the majority selected responses that would result in positive changes for the organization, although some predicted changes to current processes. The number one responses were, ‘automate stockroom processes’, ‘increase efficiency’ and ‘change the manufacturing line’.
Give us your thoughts?
Do you agree with your peers? Share your thoughts on how you would have responded to our survey.
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