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Patient Safety
Figure 1: Generation 1 versus Generation 2 Comparison—
Our initial pilot was a ‘proof-of-concept’ study where we verified that we
Conveyer and Fork Lift Testing
could capture the movement of tagged products using RFID in a warehouse
belonging to our third-party logistics firm. This pilot was successful,
99.79 100
although we were disappointed with the low read rates that generation 1
100%
93.17
tags provided. This pilot trial was completed in December 2005.
80%
Our second pilot phase verified that our tagged product (cases) could be
read by an external trading partner. This pilot trial was successfully
completed in early 2006.
60%
Our third pilot trial tagged cases and pallets of one of our products
40%
on the manufacturing line. It was a manual ‘slap and ship’ approach,
and was the first time we enjoyed the benefit of generation 2 tags. Our
read rates increased significantly from those of the generation 1 tags
20%
trial, and we verified that we could perform RFID in a manufacturing
9.77
environment (see Figures 1 and 2). Currently, we are working on two
0%
RFID pilot programs: first, serializing shipping containers with RFID at our
Conveyor Portal
third-party logistics partner premises, and second, implementing unit-
Gen1 99.79% 9.77%
level serialization using RFID and redundant 2D barcodes. In addition
Generation 2 tags enabled significantly higher read rates
Gen2 100.00% 93.17% to these programs, we have been accepted to participate in the SAP
on conveyor belts and fork lifts.
AII 7.0 Ramp Up Program and will also be integrating SAP-AII with our
Figure 2: Generation 1 versus Generation 2 Comparison— SAP ECC System.
Stretch-wrapper Results
Radiofrequency Identification Benefits
Although we believe that we have a secure supply chain, we recognize
that we can benefit from adding additional layers of security through the
implementation of product serialization and an electronic drug pedigree
system (ePedigree). I will describe below a few of the benefits that we
see RFID enabling in the future, but the potential for process
improvement is limitless.
If ePedigrees are passed through the
supply chain, we can manage the recall
process by contacting the known
15
locations of our products. These
10
4.62 4.67 5.03 4.38 4.61 4.68
T
ime (sec)
5 capabilities will enable us to recall
0
3x10 3x3 3x10 3x3 3x10 3x3
products more efficiently.
Clear Black No wrap
The figure shows a pedestal-mounted reader and antennas. The test was designed to determine time to 100%
detection. Generation 1 pilot test: after four minutes only 64% of cases were read. Generation 2 pilot test in
The combination of producing serialized product and generating
laboratory: 100% detection in five seconds or fewer.
ePedigrees will provide our trading partners (and their trading partners)
It can be seen that we have built a network of companies that have with the knowledge that the product that they receive is authentic,
enabled us to expand our knowledge of RFID and serialization. Moreover, manufactured by Cephalon. This layer of serialization and data sharing
this process of knowledge-sharing is not a one-way flow of information: ultimately allows the patient to have absolute confidence that the
we have helped our partners gain a better understanding of some of the product they are receiving is authentic and verifiable.
concerns that affect the pharmaceutical supply chain so they can improve
the services they offer to this industry. An important benefit of RFID at a warehouse level is the ability to receive
products more accurately with automated receipts of goods. On the
Radiofrequency Identification Pilot Trials outbound side, we also see internal benefits as there is less need for
We have successfully implemented three RFID pilot trials and are manual quality assurance efforts. Currently, the procedure is that a
currently working on two additional programs. Each trial has been number of people review the contents of each order. If we are able to
developed as a learning process, and has built upon the knowledge and ascertain the contents of a container using RFID, we are able to designate
insight gained from prior phases. different tasks to the personnel who would otherwise be occupied.
10 PHARMACEUTICAL SERIALIZATION & AUTHENTICATION