Track & Trace

By addressing the unique challenges of serialization in emerging markets, pharmaceutical companies can ensure global compliance, enhance supply chain integrity, and protect patients from counterfeit drugs. With the right strategies and technology, it’s possible to create a safer and more transparent pharmaceutical ecosystem worldwide.

In the pharmaceutical industry, where precision, compliance, and safety are paramount, master data management (MDM) plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless operations and regulatory adherence. Master data forms the backbone of serialization, aggregation, and reporting processes, making it an indispensable component for manufacturers striving to enhance efficiency while meeting stringent compliance requirements.

In today's fast-paced digital world, businesses need innovative tools to stay ahead of the competition. One such tool is QR track and trace solutions. This technology not only enhances your operations but also improves customer satisfaction. If you're looking to streamline processes and build trust, it's time to explore how QR tracking can benefit your business.

Serialization and traceability have become indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry, addressing critical issues like counterfeit medicines and regulatory compliance. These technologies not only secure the supply chain but also enhance patient safety and operational efficiency.

L’Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament (ANSM) indique que l’expérimentation commence en octobre 2025 pour deux ans. Un QR code imprimé sur les boîtes doit mener à une « e-notice ».

The way data was managed in the past was to keep on-premise IT infrastructure deployments which had problems with both pricing and performance. Adding to this was also the challenge of hiring efficient resources to manage both the systems and data deployed on premise. The data recorded in these systems was also not readily available for quick analysis and insight.

AIPIA member Adrich has announced a collaboration with Molex to ‘revolutionize smart label manufacturing’ and has launched a new trial of its smart label solutions. The company, which offers consumer insights and a smart replenishment platform powered by AI and IoT was a Brand Challenger at the recent AIPIA Congress. Molex is a global electronics company and connectivity innovator. Together the companies are aiming to greatly enhance the mass production of Adrich's patented smart labels using cutting-edge printed electronics.

In a survey, 73% of respondents had experienced at least one line clearance error in the previous 12 months. Automating this step can reduce errors while saving time in changeovers.

Eine neue Maschine zur Verpackung von Vials hat Schubert Pharma entwickelt. Line Clearance hat der Verpackungsexperte von Anfang an bei der Entwicklung mit berücksichtigt.

Regulators in South Africa have recalled a batch of the popular Yaz Plus contraceptive pill, after a packaging mix-up which means the contraception could be potentially ineffective. Manufacturer Bayer Ltd said women using pills from the affected batch should stop immediately and seek medical advice. A packaging mix-up led to a number of blister packs carrying 24 inactive pills, instead of 24 hormone-containing active pills.

Some examples from my work to date include IoT-enabled access control systems that streamline building management by eliminating the need for physical keys. This reduced material waste and the administrative overhead of key replacement. When integrated with building automation, these access control systems can also be used to trigger energy-saving actions – such as adjusting lighting or HVAC systems in unoccupied areas thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency.

After a labeling mix-up prompted a recall of a popular panic disorder drug this summer, Endo’s U.S. subsidiary is widening the scope of its product pull. The recall is being issued thanks to an “error by a third-party packager” that led to certain cartons displaying the wrong strength and National Drug Code for the product they contain, Endo said.

RFID and NFC technology is recognised as able to play a key role in just about every aspect of these issues and pharmaceutical packaging specialists already have an array of products to address them – from smart blister packs, through medicine bottle level detectors to lockable pill containers which have both a code and a timer for permitted access, as well as allowing remote access for carers.

RFID technology triggers a revolution in inventory management and plays a key role in reducing waste and driving a Circular Economy. By enabling accurate tracking and identification of products, RFID facilitates efficient recycling processes and encourages responsible consumption practices. One of the highlights of this technology is its ability to transfer and store data, as well as read without the need for direct contact with the product. In addition, RFID technology enables the automatic identification and location of any designated item, facilitating the detection of misplaced items.

Dans cette bande, BLE utilise des canaux de fréquence spécifiques pour permettre la communication entre les appareils. BLE utilise une technique appelée spectre étalé à sauts de fréquence (FHSS – Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) : l’appareil communicant passe rapidement d’un canal à l’autre pour minimiser les interférences et garantir une communication plus fiable, en particulier dans les environnements sans fil encombrés.

Les Xcarriers sont équipés d’étiquettes RFID UHF durables avec une portée de lecture jusqu’à 12 mètres et une vitesse de lecture plus élevée. Ces étiquettes sont souvent utilisées dans des environnements logistiques et de vente au détail. À l’arrivée dans le dépôt, les Xtrays sont scannés via un portique RFID, qui est équipé de lecteurs et d’antennes RFID avancés pour garantir la détection et l’enregistrement automatiques. Un capteur d’activation assure que le processus de scanning démarre dès qu’une palette entre. Les nouveaux Xtrays sont dirigés vers un site de traitement séparé, tandis que les anciens Xtrays sont dirigés vers la station de lavage existante. Grâce à la RFID, les Xtrays sont automatiquement traités correctement dès le début du processus et immédiatement enregistrés au bon endroit, sans intervention manuelle.

Avec STAR, Anderlecht introduit un système innovant utilisant la technologie RFID pour la gestion efficace des gobelets réutilisables. Les gobelets sont scannés rapidement et sans erreur en grandes piles, ce qui facilite leur retour et permet un remboursement automatique fluide de la caution. Cette initiative marque le début d’une collaboration prometteuse avec des partenaires innovants comme deSter, Adyen, Twelve et Bevers & Bevers, qui ensemble offrent une expérience de stade améliorée et durable.

Few people think twice about barcodes, but in the 75 years since they were first dreamed up, they have helped save lives, gone into space and stoked fears of the Antichrist

Wiliot, an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) pioneer, has recently announced the launch of WiliBot, a generative AI (GenAI) chatbot that enables natural-language conversations with any ambient IoT-connected product. When the power of generative AI is combined with this enormous source of real-time ambient physical world data, companies – and eventually consumers – can have important conversations with the products they make, source, distribute, and ultimately purchase, says the company.

To help motivate consumers to achieve their wellness goals, protein bar brand RXBAR, a brand of Kellanova, launched the No B.S. Motivator experience, which combined the power of augmented reality (AR) with its packaging. The immersive experience turned the packaging into pocket-sized motivators with the help of multi-marathon runner Matt James.

Adherence to treatment and avoiding the risk of noncompliance are constant topics in the pharmaceutical industry. Meticap, a reusable medication timing cap is now available for pharmacists to offer to their patients. This innovative cap is designed to ensure patients take medication right on time, every time, reducing the risk of overdosing and underdosing. In addition to addressing adherence issues, pharmacies, clinics, veterinary hospitals, and other healthcare providers can use Meticap to build relationships with patients via Meticap's custom-branding options.

BD partnered with Avery Dennison to develop a solution that would allow for unit-level digital identification of PFS. RFID technology was chosen because it does not need a direct line of sight and it would not interfere with visual inspections of the syringe. The result is an industry-leading innovation where RFID tags have been embedded into the rigid needle shield of the syringe to become an intrinsic part of the product. This allows for real-time control on the syringe ID, which can be cross-checked to prevent mix-ups during or post-assembly.

Advanced recycling technology can provide an additional avenue to meet society’s increasing demand for more PCR plastic, but challenges around feedstock, legislation, and misconceptions may slow growth.

RFID labels present substantial opportunities and challenges alike to packaging's sustainability chops. Experts are bullish on overcoming obstacles around material miscibility, and unlocking the sortation-improvement potential that RFID labeling poses.

Online grocery shopping is growing at a double-digit rate. A new report from Tetra Pak states that smart packaging design will not only play an important role in the evolution of grocery shopping behaviours, but also its environmental impacts.