How Can Real-Time Track & Trace Solutions Help Minimise Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals?
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are emerging as a grave concern in today's global market. It poses a significant threat to public health and safety, and the scale of this problem is staggering. According to the World Health Organization, a shocking rate of 10.5% of medications worldwide are either subpar or fake. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat this issue and protect consumers. Real-time track and trace solutions emerge as a powerful weapon in the fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals, providing enhanced security and peace of mind.
These technologies enhance supply chain security but also safeguard the lives of millions of people who rely on medications. Real-time track and trace solutions offer enhanced visibility and transparency throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain. Let's delve deeper into the challenges posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals and the role of these innovative solutions in minimising their impact.
In this blog, we will explore the challenges of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and the role of real-time track and trace solutions. Further, learn about their benefits and how they play a crucial role in safeguarding public health.
Understanding The Challenges Of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals
We have been talking about the effect of counterfeit pharma products however what does this mean? Counterfeit pharmaceuticals refer to fraudulent medications that imitate genuine products but often lack active ingredients or contain harmful substances.
It can endanger the health and safety of unsuspecting consumers as consequences of consuming these fake medicines can be severe. It ranges from ineffective treatments to life-threatening complications. The World Customs Organization estimates that the annual global market for these counterfeit medicines is an astonishing $200 billion.
The complexity of the pharmaceutical supply chain can make it more vulnerable to infiltration by counterfeiters. Multiple stakeholders, long distribution chains, and varying regulations create gaps that counterfeiters exploit.
One such example of such instance was in March 2020,
Interpol's Operation Pangea XIII seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals worth over
$14 million worldwide, highlighting the urgency of tackling this issue. This signifies the need for robust solutions to help tackle this issue.
The Role Of Real-Time Track & Trace Solutions In Minimising Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals
Real-time track and trace solutions use cutting-edge technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. It helps them to monitor and trace products throughout the supply chain. These solutions offer end-to-end visibility, enabling stakeholders to track in real-time the pharmaceutical goods from manufacturing facilities to distribution centres and all the way to the end consumer.
Benefits Of Implementing
Real-Time Track & Trace Solutions
IoT temperature data loggers are more than just another gadget. They are a breakthrough solution to some of the most persistent supply chain challenges. Here are some benefits of implementing IoT temperature data loggers -
1. Enhanced Visibility & Transparency In The Supply Chain
Real-time track and trace solutions provide stakeholders real-time updates on product location and status, and it ensures greater visibility and reduces the risk of counterfeit infiltration. Also, greater transparency helps identify potential bottlenecks, reduce theft or diversion, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
2. Rapid Identification & Authentication Of Pharmaceutical Products
So, with the arsenal of unique identifiers such as serial numbers, barcodes, or RFID tags, real-time track and trace solutions enable quick verification of product authenticity. It also allows healthcare professionals and consumers to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit medicines. A real-world example is QR codes, which consumers may scan with their smartphones to verify the authenticity of medications.
3. Efficient Recall Management & Prevention Of Counterfeit Distribution
In the unfortunate event of a product recall, real-time track and trace solutions help identify affected batches promptly, further preventing the distribution of counterfeit medications. This capability minimises the impact on the patient's health and prevents counterfeit drugs from re-entering the supply chain.
Numerous pharmaceutical companies have successfully integrated real-time track and trace solutions to protect their products and enhance consumer confidence. One example of this we also have with
Adapt Ideations. We have been working with a leading transportation and logistics company for a number of years. Our real-time monitoring capabilities have helped to streamline their
life sciences and biopharma operations in the APAC region. The real-time track and trace solution helps them safeguard the products they are handling and ensures products remain compliant.
Key Features To Look For
In Real-Time Track & Trace Solutions
1. Comprehensive Temperature Monitoring Capabilities
Almost all pharmaceutical products are temperature-sensitive and given the sensitive nature of these goods, it requires precise monitoring to maintain their efficacy. That's why real-time track and trace solutions are needed, including robust temperature monitoring features. This is because it will ensure that medications remain within the required temperature range during transportation and storage. To help with this, temperature data loggers are a perfect tool to utilise. You can check our range of temperature data logger devices here.
2. Data Logging & Reporting Functionalities
Data logging capabilities are essential for recording temperature and humidity data throughout the supply chain. For compliance and quality assurance purposes, stakeholders can review and analyse these detailed reports. For example, by using Adapt Ideations' KELVIN devices, you can monitor and view data simultaneously on our secured cloud-based portal.
3. Integration With Existing Supply Chain Systems
Seamless integration with existing supply chain processes is crucial to facilitate a smooth implementation of track-and-trace solutions. This minimises disruptions and ensures a seamless transition. Therefore, you should choose a real-time track and trace solution which offers compatibility with various supply chain management platforms, enhancing operational efficiency. If you are on the path to selecting the right solution, we at Adapt Ideations are here to assist you. Contact us to book a discovery call today.
4. Scalability & Flexibility For Future Growth
As pharmaceutical companies expand their operations, real-time track and trace solutions must be scalable and flexible enough to accommodate the growing demands of the supply chain. Scalable and flexible solutions, like we at Adapt Ideations offer, enable easy adaptation to changing requirements and ensures long-term viability.
Getting Started With Real-Time Track & Trace Solutions
Implementing real-time track and trace solutions involves a step-by-step process. Here is a brief guide which will help you to take your first step:-
Step 1:- Identify your specific requirements and pain points.
Step 2:- Research reputable providers of real-time track and trace solutions, considering their features, compatibility, and customer reviews.
Step 3:- Develop a comprehensive implementation plan, considering integration with existing systems and potential challenges.
Step 4:- Pilot the solution in a controlled environment to evaluate its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
Step 5:- Roll out the solution gradually, monitoring its impact on supply chain security and efficiency.
Step 6:- Continuously review and improve your track and trace system to stay ahead of evolving challenges.
Way Forward
In the fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals, real-time track and trace solutions emerge as indispensable allies. By ensuring visibility, authentication, and efficient recall management, these solutions contribute to the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products.
As we conclude this blog, we urge you to explore the benefits of track-and-trace solutions and consider
taking action now to integrate them into your pharmaceutical supply chain. With
Adapt Ideations' KELVIN and
PIXEL temperature data logger devices, the pharmaceutical industry can fortify its defences against counterfeit drugs further, safeguarding consumer health and safety with real-time monitoring and traceability.
In the fast-paced pharmaceutical industry, securing the supply chain against counterfeit drugs is not just a necessity; it is a moral obligation. Together, we can ensure that every patient receives genuine medications, building a healthier and safer world.
Enquire to find out more about our innovative solutions and how they can be utilised at enquiries@adaptideations.com
Powerful and reliable, asset tracking and monitoring solutions.
Innovative monitoring solutions for high-value & temperature-sensitive assets.
Share Our Post.
Awards & Recognition
Best Temperature Monitoring Solution Provider
Awarded by India Biologics & Vaccines Outstanding Industry Awards 2022
Adapt Ideations Recognised As A Supply Chain Leader
by Alcott Global on Supplify's Supply Chain Tech Map 2.0
Related Articles.
Our Guides.
Sign up to our monthly newsletter!
H.No.1-89/G/36, 3rd Floor, Plot No.36, Mindspace, Shilpi Valley, Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500081, India