As specialists in contract logistics, we face many challenges related to the industries in which our Clients operate. One of them is the particularly rigorous pharmaceutical sector. In Poland, as well as in the world, this sector of the economy is developing very strongly and there is no indication of a change in this state of affairs. The number of pharmacies and wholesalers is increasing, and the value of the entire sector is estimated at tens of billions of zlotys. Therefore, logistics principles in the pharmaceutical industry are among the most rigorous. Such a sensitive sector of the economy entails a series of very strict regulations that establish how pharmaceutical products should be handled. As a logistics operator, we must remember that all activities carried out by us must be compliant with the Pharmaceutical Law Act of September 6, 2001, and good distribution practice. The legal scope of good distribution practice includes:
- proper technical and sanitary condition of the pharmaceutical wholesaler,
- principles of storing medicinal products,
- set of rules determining the mode of receiving and issuing medicinal products,
- conditions for transport and loading of pharmaceuticals,
- proper management of the pharmaceutical wholesaler.
[grve_title title=”Transport and logistics in the pharmaceutical industry – Warsaw and all of Poland” heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h2″]
Taking on the role of an operator responsible for storing or transporting medicines is a very big and responsible challenge. The guidelines that must be met are very strict. As Trans-Tok, we deal with total logistics regarding this issue, so we not only store goods, but also deliver them to indicated points. We operate within contract logistics, which somewhat shows by itself that our Clients decide on long-term cooperation. Comprehensive logistics in the pharmaceutical industry assumes storage and transport of medicines to larger cities like Warsaw and smaller ones like e.g. Olsztyn. This means that not only carriers must be verified, but warehouses should be located in an optimal location so that transport to analogous places throughout the country takes a similar time.[grve_title title=”Warehousing for the pharmaceutical industry” heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h2″]
To conduct storage of this type of products, one must possess permits allowing for storing pharmaceutical products. Warehouses for storing medicines must meet sanitary, Health and Safety, and fire protection requirements. A deratization system is also indicated, which helps protect goods against pests. Warehouses should have a system monitoring temperature and humidity, as well as be subjected to round-the-clock monitoring. As Trans-Tok, we meet all requirements, and thanks to the WMS (Warehouse Management System) IT system, we have the possibility of electronic identification of goods, as well as preview of current inventory levels, production and expiration dates of goods, and reservation in specific batch numbers, and all this on-line.[grve_title title=”Transport for the pharmaceutical industry” heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h2″]
Transport of this type of products must take place in controlled conditions, which must be properly documented. The indicated temperature is:
- from 15 to 25°C for the standard range,
- from 8 to 15°C or from 2 to 8°C for controlled ranges.
One must dispose of a modern fleet of vehicles, among which there are also refrigerated trucks, which enable transporting medicines in the cold supply chain. In the entire logistics process, a series of activities take place, which aim to preserve the quality of pharmaceuticals. Often regulations are applied that are much stricter than national legislation to be sure that the entire process proceeds safely.[grve_title title=”Role of logistics in the pharmaceutical industry ” heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h2″]
Our task is primarily to ensure the safety of goods entrusted to us regardless of the industry we serve. We strictly ensure that all restrictions are observed and guarantee the highest quality of services. The role of logistics in the pharmaceutical industry is key because it directly contributes to the transport and delivery of medicines throughout the country, as well as in the world. As Trans-Tok, we realize that medicines must maintain the expected quality because only then are they effective, so there is no room for any shortcomings in this regard.