The passage of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has re-energized the importance of compliance in pharmaceutical supply chains. These supply chains have unique risks and are essential to the health and well-being of millions of people, and the timeline for full compliance with the DSCSA is rapidly coming to a close, reports the FDA. Warehouse Managers need to understand its key challenges and why integration is key in ensuring compliance.

Compliance Challenges in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

The top challenges of pharmaceutical supply chains exist due to problems throughout all supply chains, including:

• Poor coordination and collaboration between suppliers and supply chain networks.
• Inaccurate inventory management.
• Deficiencies in demand forecasting and human resources.
• Poor order management.
• Temperature-controlled storage and transportation.
• Shipment visibility.
• Expiration dates.
• Prevention of shortages.

Poor compliance can cost millions in penalties, incarceration for supply chain leaders, and increase the risk of harm to consumers.

The only way to address the challenges of compliance in pharmaceutical supply chains lies in integrated systems and end-to-end visibility. Unlike retail supply chains, pharmaceuticals have the power to become a source of illicit activity as well as the ability to lead to addiction. However, poor visibility can also mean a legitimate customer is unable to get the medicine he needs to survive. The comparisons are immeasurable, so Warehouse Managers must bring systems into alignment and gain real-time asset monitoring of products.

Best Practices to Improve Compliance in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains Through Integration

As explained by, some best practices include:

• Conduct detailed executive interviews.
• Develop baseline data on overall equipment effectiveness.
• Optimize production scheduling to reflect supply chain availability.
• Use Big Data Analytics to understand demand, especially among new pharmaceuticals.
• Automate the reporting process and ensure all team members understand the concerns for each product’s movements in the supply chain.
• Begin the research and development of a blockchain-based supply chain solution, explains Material Handling and Logistics.
• Develop a robust risk management strategy to identify product-specific risks that differ from traditional supply chains.
• Document everything, and use AIDC technologies to automate documentation and data capture.
• Integrate systems to increase traceability and compliance in pharmaceutical supply chains.
• Consider outsourcing pharmaceutical compliance management and logistics processes to a third-party logistics provider.

Increase the Efficiency of Your Pharmaceutical Supply Chain With Integrated Systems

Pharmaceutical supply chains face some of the greatest challenges in any supply chain on the planet. Failure to maintain compliance could result in severe treatment outcomes and extensive legal ramifications. Improve compliance in your pharmaceutical supply chains by integrating systems and getting the end-to-end visibility you need by partnering with Veridian, a Manhattan Associates, High Jump, and JDA warehouse management system implementation company. 

Veridian, a Manhattan Associates, HighJump, and JDA warehouse management system implementation company, can help you realize your supply chain success. Fill out the contact information below in order to schedule a consultation call with one of our supply chain professionals.