Healthcare RFID In Germany: An Integrated Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Perspective

Abstract

Todays healthcare environments are characterized by a variety of products, services, and associated data and information that are transferred across many healthcare sector participants. Pharmaceutical supply chains in particular are one example of fragmented information flows among supply chain participants. Pharmaceutical supply chain processes have a crucial influence on medication quality and ultimate patient outcomes. When manufacturing problems arise, temperature control cannot be maintained throughout the supply chain, counterfeit medications enter the supply chain, containers are damaged or sensitive medication is improperly transported and stored, the drugs effectiveness can be affected and this can result in serious consequences, including patient sickens or even death. In this paper, we analyze Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID), a technology that can improve communication of data and information, reduce counterfeiting, and enable monitoring of drug quality in pharmaceutical supply chains. The study is conducted in the context of an RFID platform implemented in Germany. The paper extends and complements previous studies by analyzing the RFID implementation and business value in an end-to-end supply chain process across multiple stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain, from the manufacturer via the wholesaler to pharmacies and hospitals. The results confirm that RFID benefits are realized when supply chain processes are changed with the help of technology, but that different supply chain participants have different benefit realization perceptions. The analysis further reveals specific types of process changes for each supply chain participant and their corresponding benefits.

Implementing pharmaceutical track-and-trace systems: a realist review

“… 27 A cross-country RFID-tag study was conducted in Germany, allowing all supply chain actors to communicate with a central database. 30 In Hong Kong, case studies showed promising results for the use of RFID tags and a global sharing mechanism, including an alert in the event of unsuccessfully matched information. 31 India implemented barcoding on drugs for export only, using codes on all packaging levels, but without a database.…”

International Integration of Pharmaceutical Supply Chains in Vietnam: An Overview of Challenges and Opportunities at Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City

“…These factors will help change the PSC design for greater efficiency, safety, and quality [20]. PSC processes have an important influence on the quality of drugs and patients' end-result [24].…”

Pharmaceutical cold chain and novel technological tools: a systematic review

“…Road / Pallets ( Kheir, 2011;Sharif et al, 2010)/ (Bauer, 2016) Cabinets (Wandalkar et al, 2013) (Chavan et al, 2014;Nelson et al, 2011;Vancea and Viman 2011;Bijwaard et al, 2011;Li and Achen, 2011) Electronic Monitors (Çakici et al, 2011;Chircu et al, 2014;Metzner et al, 2014, Aung et al, 2011Hendrik Haan et al, 2013 ;MingheU et al, 2014;Ruiz-Garcia and Lunadei, 2010;Li et al, 2013, ) Although the analysis of the sub-issues is beyond the scope of this review, some exciting insights into the main logistic issues of the PCC can be obtained from Figure 2. A great deal of academic work involves understanding and suggesting solutions to issue of the PCC (Table 2), classi ied into 7 categories (Technological resources and PCC concepts), represented by different colors, which are: data analyses, cold chain models (with temperature), quality of novel technologies, integration of informatics systems, traceability technologies, supply chain models (without temperature) and analytical technologic process.…”