Asset Tracking Technologies Are Critical In Solving COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chain Challenges

AIM North America member experts share expertise as a resource to direct and guide organizations of asset tracking technologies for vaccine distribution traceability.

February 22, 2021 – Pittsburgh, PA – The United States and other countries around the world are undertaking one of the largest, if not the largest, logistics endeavors in history. In the US alone, planning for the distribution of more than 300 million COVID-19 vaccine doses is currently underway. The implementation of asset tracking and product authentication AIDC (Automatic Identification Data Capture) technologies including barcode, RFID, IoT, RAIN, RTLS, NFC, provide increased quality control, visibility, and accuracy of the vaccine at all points along the supply chain, from manufacturer to patient.

The current global crisis is likely to accelerate digital transformation for businesses across the globe, enabling them to meet the challenges highlighted above. A technology-led business model including Industry 4.0 and IoT will emerge as more critical than ever and AIDC will play a key role in defining strategy as we reimagine the global supply chains of tomorrow.

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Active battery-powered and passive battery-less AIDC technologies enable temperature, location and damaging shock or vibration information to be monitored by vendors in real-time. AIM North America (NA) has announced that they provide expertise in advising organizations on the best way to ensure the authenticity and traceability of all pharmaceutical products.

The US FDA Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) seeks to protect consumers from exposure to drugs that may be counterfeit, stolen, contaminated or otherwise compromised and potentially harmful. Serialized barcodes serve as a foundation for traceability within the channel. AIDC technology connects the multi-faceted elements or information furthering the validation and serves as a building block for interoperability. In combination these platforms provide full traceability of each transaction and change of ownership throughout the lifespan of the product, ensuring its safe use to the patient.

“As a manufacturer of pressure-sensitive materials used in labeling and packaging pharmaceuticals, we understand the necessity for tracking and tracing product from the manufacturer, through the supply chain, and to administering of the drug to the patient. The work of the FDA Drug Supply Chain is critically important, and AIM NA and its members can provide the industry with knowledge, structure and guidance,” stated Lori Bitar, Chair, AIM NA Pharmaceutical Work Group and Market Development Manager, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Labeling at FLEXcon.

AIM North America Chair and Director Business Development & Sales at CISC Semiconductor, Debangana Mukherjee, added “AIM North America members are poised to provide insight and expertise to assist the pharmaceutical industry in addressing the challenges they face until DSCSA 2023.” She continued, “Relying on global, interoperable consensus-based standards is foundational for improving processes and efficiencies within the supply chain.”

For more information on how you can start the conversation today, AIM encourages stakeholders to fill out its form and read through the AIM NA Digital Supply Chain Whitepaper.