3 Strategies To Improve The Cold Chain Management Cycle

April 21, 2010 - PRLog -- British scientists may have found a cheap and simple way of keeping vaccines stable, even at tropical temperatures, which could transform immunization campaigns in the developing world. But until that technology is widely adopted, pharmaceutical firms still have to rely on the cold chain management cycle to ensure that vaccines and medication reach those who are in dire need of them on time and in perfect condition.
At the 3rd annual Cold Chain Management Asia Summit which will be held in Singapore on the 12th and 13th of May, one key area that will be on everyone minds will be perfecting the cold chain cycle. Although perfection in the pharmaceutical cold chain supply management cycle may seem like a long shot, it’s the striving for perfection that may lead to innovative cost effective strategies that will keep temperature sensitive vaccines stable while on their journey.
Dr. Rodney Wee, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Cold Chain Centre, believes that by developing strategic partnerships with logistics providers who have the same goal, there is a possibility to improve the cold chain process. He shares with us three key strategies that needs to be done to improve the cold chain management cycle.
“Work with selected Third Party Logistics Providers to develop a strategic partnership and in so doing have a transparent supply chain to each and every relevant destination (using FMEA) with a protocol for worse case scenarios,” said Dr. Wee.
“Get involved with the training and development of all parties (staff) in the chain for an effective team to operate daily with minimised risk (and costs) and avoid going for the cheapest quote as some do and check transshipment venues for facilities or lack of facilities.”
“Ship direct as much as possible as more transshipment means greater risk exposure to errors, omissions, product deterioration and contamination. Some 3PLs may be well managed and equipped in one sector but are not in others. Some may rely on their overseas partners who are less than efficient or effective, so it’s best to work with a few good service partners,” he added.
Should these processes be adopted properly the margin for error will be much slimmer, and the strive for perfection in the pharmaceutical cold chain supply management cycle will seem a little more attainable.

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Dr. Rodney Wee is speaking at the 3rd Annual Bio/Pharma Cold Chain Management Asia summit which will be held in Singapore from the 12th to the 13th of May. For more information on the conference please feel free to contact the Marketing Manager Indre Riley at enquiry@iqpc.com.sg or visit the website at www.coldchainasiasummit.com

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