The Digitalisation Of The Pharmaceutical Cold Chain

The pharmaceutical industry has faced increased pressure and demand in the last two years. As expected, greater research, time and funds have been invested into the industry to ensure it can meet growing demands. Furthermore, pharmaceutical cold chain logistics has also demonstrated a significant increase due to greater demands and sales globally. No doubt, global vaccine distribution has contributed to the growth of the industry. The global pharmaceutical industry is projected to be worth $1700.97 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 8%, as reported by Research and Markets. With the industry rapidly growing, pharmaceutical cold chain management plays a crucial role in ensuring that product losses and damages do not occur. The utilisation of IoT enabled asset tracking solutions enables the safe and accurate monitoring of temperature-sensitive products throughout the pharmaceutical cold chain. 

Temperature-sensitive products require stringent care to be taken during pharmaceutical cold chain management particularly during the transport and storage of products. Even the slightest temperature excursions, exposure to light and shock can affect the viability of pharmaceuticals. As reported by NSW Health, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals such as vaccines must be consistently kept between 2–8 degrees Celsius to ensure its longevity and viability. However, some pharmaceuticals, are required to be kept as low as -70 degrees Celsius. 

Biopharmaceuticals are expensive to manufacture and are highly sensitive to elements such as light and temperature fluctuations due to their live compounds. Through the utilisation of a digital temperature monitoring system such as Adapt Ideations’ PIXEL, the pharmaceutical industry can ensure temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals are stored in the correct conditions during cold storage. 

The warehousing, storage and transport of pharmaceuticals is an important process within the supply chain, that is often forgotten. A report released by The International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlighted that temperature-sensitive airfreight also experience breaks in the cold chain. The report found that the pharmaceutical industry loses $2.5 billion to $12.5 billion annually due to this challenge. These challenges highlight the importance of effective and reliable pharmaceutical cold chain management. There are a multitude of innovative solutions available that can help identify issues within the cold chain such as temperature excursions.

Adapt Ideations’ wireless temperature monitoring system PIXEL allows for automated monitoring of cold storage spaces and facilities. Near real-time alerts are relayed back to the company if deviations from set parameters occur such as temperature fluctuations. PIXEL provides unmatched visibility and transparency of cold storage spaces and facilities for the pharmaceutical industry. 

Adapt Ideations’ KELVIN M200 is an IoT enabled near real-time asset tracking solution monitoring the location, temperature, shock, and light exposure of moving cargo. In the case of breaches, the device relays the data in near real-time to ensure prompt action can be taken. Data collected from our innovative IoT enabled asset tracking and monitoring solutions can enhance pharmaceutical cold chain management.   

Enquire today at enquiries@adaptideations.com to find out more about our wide range of asset tracking and monitoring solutions.