Analysts are accentuating the positive in pharma item-level serialization. But judging by the rate of system implementations, they still have some convincing to do.
The more timely supply chain visibility that serialization provides will let sales and marketing executives "do a much better job of forecasting supply and demand," says Brajinder Singh, associate partner at Clarkston Consulting, in KMWorld.
In addition, quicker recalls, just-in-time supply management, and improved accuracy in rebates and chargebacks on item returns also are benefits, says Eric Newmark, program director at IDC Health Insights. Newmark notes that item-level serialization projects are gaining momentum: 22 percent of life sciences IT executives in a recent survey said they have several lines serialized. Another 18 percent are in the planning stage.
A current implementer is CMO Golden State Medical Supply, which uses IBM track and trace technology to manage serialized drug pedigree information. SAP and Oracle also have e-pedigree solutions.
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