What the Food Industry can learn from Pharmaceutical Distribution Chains

The prevention of temperature excursions through data log, circumstance monitoring, analysis are all great benefits. As both industries grow, it is essential to find solutions like these.

Comparisons between food and pharmaceutical supply chains

Global supply chains are becoming more complex. This means MHRA approved warehousing UK companies must be able to accurately monitor temperatures and transport food and medicines. Food supply chain managers have begun to pay more attention to the practices of their counterparts in pharmaceutical companies, which has resulted in a significant increase in pharmaceutical companies’ revenues over the past few years.

Both industries share a common trait: they have strict temperature requirements that must be met during packing, loading, and transportation. It is vital to maintain safe temperatures in both industries and strengthen the public policy.

Background information on the current cold chain regulations

The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated from a historical perspective and must comply with compliance requirements. When transporting life-science products and medicine, pharmaceutical manufacturers must also work with approved and standardized shippers. The International Safe Transit Association or the World Health Organization are two of the most popular sources of guidance for industry players.

While the Drug Supply Chain Security Act is currently in effect, the United States follows directives while Europe uses the Falsified Medical’s Directive. These legislative initiatives highlight the importance of safe transportation and best practices in pharmaceuticals. These directives are a guide for developers of data logging, circumstance monitoring, and analysis solutions.

Although they do not have to follow the same strict regulations as food supply chains, that does not mean they don’t need to. The Food and Drug Administration in the US establishes standards and implements rules to govern how food products are transported. Food transportation companies can learn a lot from pharmaceutical transportation practices, even though regulations are not being enforced in the face of increased scrutiny.

Pharmaceutical and food supply chain companies share the goal of preventing temperature excursions. Food supply chain managers need to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs in terms of optimization, packaging, contractors, and technology.

These are some of the many ways food suppliers can profit from the pharmaceutical industry’s attention:

  • Cost efficiency Spoilage plays a key role in determining the cost-efficiency and profitability of a supply chain. It is for this reason that pharmaceutical companies regularly monitor their temperature-controlled items like clockwork. It reduces costs and makes it a competitive advantage when it uses technology solutions that are specifically tailored to its industry.
  • Quality control is equally important for both industries. Supply chain managers might be reluctant to actively monitor this strategy when critical issues arise in other areas. This is where the idea of “good enough” no longer suffices continues to be a constant theme.
  • Continuous improvement Managers now have more time for improvements by deploying systems that meet customer requirements while complying with regulatory requirements. Managers will be able to see blind spots that they didn’t know before a system can log and monitor their circumstances.
  • Innovation Statistics show that nearly 20% of pharmaceutical companies’ annual revenues go to research and development (R&D). It’s a great reason. The digitization of supply chains has allowed them to innovate and transform the way they manage their products.

There are many cues the food industry can learn from its pharmacological counterparts, as you can see. Despite their differences in industry, the food sector can greatly benefit from the strategies and techniques that the pharmaceutical supply in the form of labor and cost-saving methods. This goal can be achieved by valuing compliance, standardization, and temperature control.

Data logging improves cold-chain logistics in the food industry

The pharmaceutical company has long used data logging as a means of controlling its operations. Technological advancements are making it possible to accommodate food manufacturers and logistic companies.

Data logging has many benefits, including:

  • Capture and storage of data
  • Automation via specific devices
  • Tracking capabilities enhanced
  • Anti-tampering security sensors
  • Temperature monitoring controls packaged

Data logging is vital as it can help you meet regulatory and service requirements. Also, it is important to recognize that cold chain logistics technology will become a necessity and not an option. This means that companies could be subject to increased scrutiny and possible liability claims.

Final thoughts and considerations

When it comes to managing their products more efficiently, both the pharmaceutical and food supply industries can learn a lot from each other. Both industries can benefit from data logging, situation monitoring, and analysis. They can both be used to provide enhanced safety and customer service.