Logistic in pharma retail

Pharmaceutical logistics management is changing, with the supply chain's role currently undergoing a transformation from an operational role to a fully-fledged strategic business lever, driving value and ensuring that all-important competitive advantage. It is therefore more important than ever for pharma supply chain executives to optimise the supply network to position the business for success.

Nihar Parida, COO, logistics and marketing, Uniworld Logistics, said, “The Indian Logistics Industry is presently estimated at US$ 90 billion. Globally, the logistics industry is valued at US$ 3.5 trillion. U.S., which contributes to over 25 percent of the global industry value, spends close to 9 percent of its GDP on logistic services.”

Storage and transportation of pharmaceuticals

Delicate pharmaceuticals require great care while in storage and during the shipping process. Therefore, a reliable and vigilant cold chain distribution system is essential in maintaining the integrity of these products. Many pharmaceuticals are extremely temperature-sensitive; requiring storage in an environment where temperature range is pre-defined to accommodate the specific temperature qualifications of the cargo.

“In most cases, the slightest spike outside this optimal temperature range may very well cause the quality of these products to be compromised. Biopharmaceuticals and probiotics are among the most sensitive pharmaceuticals because they contain living organisms”, said Parida. Adding further, he said, “These products also contain certain proteins susceptible to damage from the slightest fluctuation in temperature. Therefore, temperature assurance is critical in the process of storing and shipping these products.”

Biopharmaceuticals and probiotics are especially vulnerable during transport, causing those in the cold chain shipping industry to develop reliable solutions that offer consistent shipping methods and sound insulated containers.

Challenges faced by logistic firms

The pharmaceutical industry is facing enormous pressure to reduce global logistics costs. At the same time, increased outsourcing has put total supply chain control at the forefront of business strategy. Partnering with pharmaceutical companies can be done to meet industry-specific challenges and reduce costs by providing personalised solutions that optimise the supply chain. It is important then to keep biopharmaceuticals, probiotics and other pharmaceuticals consistently within their optimal temperature range throughout the duration of the shipping process.

This is not always easy, as ensuring that a pharmaceutical shipment arrives at its destination uncompromised and in good condition can sometimes be a battle for cold chain facilitators.

Holdups, delays and exposure to the conditions are some of the factors that might threaten the integrity of a given pharmaceutical shipment. Failure to take the sensitive nature of a shipment into account as it passes through numerous airport handlers is another scenario that may play up. There might also be occasions where extended delays in delivery result in a shipment's overexposure to sunlight, or an otherwise hot couple of hours on a tarmac. The other extreme may apply, where a shipment is exposed to extreme cold for unexpected periods of time.

Speaking on the same, Parida said, “In-transit challenges, environmental temperature changes, overzealous cargo handlers, multiple modes of transportation and lengthy exposure to various weather conditions are all trials a sensitive pharmaceutical shipment must at times survive in order to arrive at its destination successfully.” Suggesting a possible solution, Parida added, “A possible solutions could be on the horizon. Cold chain industry representatives are now working with airlines, freight forwarders and shipping companies to try to minimize the number of transfers and handlers involved in the process of shipping delicate temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.”

Future of pharma logistic

The Logistic Industry in India is forecasted to grow at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 8 percent over the next three to five years. Third Party Logistics (3PL) Solutions, is slated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 16 percent. Consequently, 3PL service providers are expected to corner an increased share of the Indian Logistics pie, from 6 percent in FY06 to 13 percent in FY11, at a CAGR of 25 percent.

Concluding at the end, Parida said, “Increase in efficiency and productivity of the transport system in logistic firms would result in lower transit times.” The introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the proposed introduction of a singular Goods and Services Tax (GST) are expected to significantly reduce the number of warehouses manufacturers are required to maintain in different states, thereby resulting in a substantial increase in demand for integrated logistics solutions.