A comprehensive and safe approach
Development of a successful supply chain for the distribution of temperature-controlled shipments while maintaining the correct temperature at all times is an ongoing process that involves pharmaceutical companies, distribution providers and materials manufacturers.
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G Box:
ambient protection and stability |
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The G Box provides stability and protection for pharmaceutical products that must be stored at 2-25°C. It provides the correct insulation qualities against temperature variations. and is strong and flexible, with a water repellence of 0.3% absorption by volume, and thermal conductivity properties of 0.030W/mk. It has a vapour resistivity of 480MNs/gm.
The G Box has been successfully used for the Chinese market without any temperature deviations. Once the unit has been sealed it is wrapped in silvered polythene for additional water protection.
One of its key benefits is its flexibility. It can be used with Q7/Q6 main deck containers and LD7/LD9 lower deck containers, even down to the smaller LD3 units. The shipments are safely and securely loaded in an ambient environment. |
The distribution demands of pharmaceutical products for a cool chain (or 2-25°C ambient) end-to-end solution present several challenges for distribution service providers. Securing the right type of equipment relating to the product’s requirements is one factor. Another is that the mode of transport itself is not the main driver for pharmaceuticals; rather the choice of mode should be linked to a company’s supply chain strategy for specific markets.
Pharmaceuticals are high-value goods that demand a safe process throughout the supply chain. Security measures must be harmonised and checked across the operating lanes. Using the minimum of loading places and transport mode changes is one of the challenges for
a timely, cost-effective and secure solution.
The gap in distribution costs between a regular air or sea freight shipment and a pharma-ceutical shipment has narrowed recently. To ensure the lowest costs, pharma has two focus areas:
- Global supply chain harmonisation is cross-divisional and has a more centralised decision-making base
- Cost-cutting activities provide a full review of the budget for the full supply chain and companies have a better understanding of what they are paying for
These areas are good for pharma companies and for logistics providers. Interaction between the two entities has never been greater and brings supply chain optimisation to its fullest level.
Robust process
Geodis Wilson has experience in developing pharmaceutical supply chains and compliance. The basis for the successful handling of pharma products is the ability to follow GDP throughout the supply chain. One concern is supply chain responsibility: should the producer’s responsibility last from drug creation to the end user?
To avoid such problems, Geodis Wilson operates a three-party relationship that involves close interaction with customer and carrier. This links into the supply chain process and gives the product a better chance of getting from A to B according to
the required demands. Properly managed, operations, quality management and communication form the key for a winning supply chain.
When setting up a global supply chain for a pharma company, best practice is to have all sub-headings covered under each area. This formulates the standard operating procedures for the supply chain. Risk assessment is needed to safeguard any process deviation.
- Quality management temperature should be monitored throughout the supply chain. This is an area that can be improved. There is no single joint standard for measuring; the tools available mean there is little transparency between the forwarders’ status and the possible temperature variances that can occur in the chain. Training of staff and carrier workers is crucial. Different certificates are required and it is important that the forwarder understands the gravity of the requirements and complies with them.
Fixed meetings at strategic, tactical or operational levels should take place. Interaction is crucial and all activities must be documented for review. Agreed KPIs should be followed up regularly and is where supply chain effectiveness can be measured. Geodis Wilson focuses on identifying key target measurements for a the supply chain.
- Operations equipment is an important area and developments are ongoing. There is a difference between shipping ambient vs cool chain goods.
Geodis Wilson’s G Box
is a fully insulated standard air container designed
for ambient purposes
(see G Box).
- Communication commitment is crucial at all levels. Geodis Wilson uses tailored customer portals for global accounts. All key information, such as rates, KPI reports, meeting documents and contacts, can be accessed
by accredited people.
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Company profile
With a workforce of 5,500,
Geodis Wilson is one of the largest freight management companies.
For more information, visit:
www.geodiswilson.com.
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