IN PARTNERSHIP
Integrating new technologies for temperature-sensitive supply chains
Integrating new technologies to further improve our service focusing on temperature-sensitive shipments is permanently on TSafe’s agenda, says Assil Mohebbi, TSafe’s proposal manager.
W
e are TSafe, a premium courier focusing on global temperature- controlled transport for the
pharmaceuticals sector, transport material like biological substances, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and investigational medicinal products (IMP). In cooperation with Tec4Med, a tech
company that provides next-generation data- monitoring solutions based on smart internet of things (IoT) hardware and innovative cloud services, we have implemented their real-time/ online data logger equipment, SmartBeacon and SmartHub, to track temperature, GPS, humidity, shock and light when transporting pharmaceutical materials. Due to different transport challenges, the use of innovative technologies is becoming more popular in temperature-controlled transportation. The risks of irregularities and delays during transportation are always a concern, due to a number of different factors such as inadequate documentation, limitation of worldwide storage units or a shorter lifespan of thermo-packaging. Sustaining a proven cold chain throughout the transportation process is therefore key to minimising the risks of damage to the product’s integrity. Based on solutions like offline monitoring, we can determine and document incorrect temperature handling in the case of an excursion, but we are not able to intervene in many cases. This is mainly due to a lack of knowledge with regards to the weak points of the transportation chain. Careful preparatory work, such as full
6 | Clinical Trial Supply Handbook
documentation checks, the correct use of high-quality packaging for the correct lifespan, and ensuring the shortest route time to the destination, helps to minimise the issues involved with transportation issues. Well- thought-out preparation is always advisable but still doesn’t guarantee that third-party mistakes, such as airline mishandling, or even unavoidable events (weather, cancellation of transport etc) that might occur.
Controlling and monitoring Besides the problem of unavoidable events, the demand for the direct availability of temperature data required for remote product releases is increasing. Due to the long waiting times – or, in the worst-case scenario, the wrong handling of offline devices – the consignee can experience a delay, or even the loss of a product, as the release of these pharmaceutical materials can only be granted with the correct temperature proof. Opening the thermo-packaging
unnecessarily should be avoided while using live GPS and temperature-tracking devices with access to a personalised database of the online/real-time temperature readings. This data is provided throughout the whole transportation to the courier company and the customer, which enables proactive interventions in case of any irregularities. All live data can be quickly assembled for fast analysis and immediate reporting. It is an excellent tool for validation of new supply chains or supporting audits performed by customers.
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