A track and trace system in the pharmaceutical industry is a vital process for determining the current and historical information of products, usually through their unique identification (ID) or specific attributes. This system serves multiple purposes, primarily aiding manufacturers in detecting counterfeit or copied products in the market.
Tracking System: This aspect of the system is focused on monitoring the real-time and historical locations of serialized products within the supply chain.
Tracing System: The tracing component helps in understanding the history of interactions between the products and various entities along the supply chain.
Table of Contents:
Detailed Equipment Information: This section provides comprehensive details about the equipment and processes involved in the track and trace system.
Equipment Used in Track and Trace System:
- Printing machine (2D)
- Labeling machine
- 360° Cameras
- Bundler system
Understanding the Concepts of Serialization and Track and Trace System:
Serialization / Track And Trace System:
Serialization entails assigning a unique code or identifier to each individual product, giving it a distinct identity that can be tracked and traced throughout its journey in the supply chain. This coding allows for precise monitoring of a product&39;s location and history during its lifecycle.
Detailed Equipment Information:
The track and trace system is typically installed in the secondary packaging area, where bottles or cartons undergo printing, aggregation, serialization, and palletization.
Key Equipment and Processes:
Print Area: This is where crucial information such as batch numbers, manufacturing dates, expiry dates, serial numbers, and 2D codes are printed onto bottles or cartons before they are conveyed further in the process.
360° Inspection System: This system comprises multiple cameras positioned around the conveyor belt to inspect and verify serial numbers, GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), and 2D codes on printed products. It automatically rejects defective items into a designated bin while allowing the passage of acceptable products along the conveyor belt.
Server: The server plays a critical role in real-time data storage, capturing information about inspected products as they pass through the track and trace system.
Aggregation: Aggregation involves bundling cartons or bottles together. These bundles are then manually scanned using a barcode scanner.
Labeling: Automated machinery generates labels and applies them to the bundles, either manually or automatically.
Disaggregation: If any products are found to be defective during manual scanning, the corresponding carton or bottle is replaced with a new, good one.
In summary, the track and trace system in pharmaceuticals are crucial for maintaining product integrity and ensuring the authenticity of medications. Serialization provides a unique identifier for each product, while the system&39;s equipment and processes facilitate accurate monitoring and tracing throughout the supply chain.