The pharmaceutical logistics operation is very particular in its handling, not only because of the delicacy of its products, but also because of the strict regulation of the entire storage and transportation process.
Products must be stored and transported at appropriate temperatures to meet the high quality standards to preserve their properties and benefits.
On this occasion we had the opportunity to talk to Juan Gavilanez, Head of Operations at Inlog Pharma Division, who has 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry working in pharmaceutical laboratories and also as a logistics operator for Farma.
“The opportunity I see in the Proverfarma – Inlog Alliance is unique and is being well received within the industry. Inlog Pharma Division was very attractive to me from the beginning because my work is my passion and Inlog is a prestigious company, with many years in the market, with very solid processes, many strengths and a first class human group” comments Juan.
In this enriching conversation we understood in depth why experience and adequate knowledge of pharmaceutical logistics policies and standards are the key to the success of this operation.
What is the most demanding part of pharmaceutical logistics management?
The supply chain of pharmaceutical products has a series of relevant aspects that make it different from the rest of the sectors due to its special composition and effects on human consumption.
Preserving the quality of the products is the biggest challenge since they must maintain their therapeutic conditions. At Inlog Pharma Division we store the products in adequate temperatures, no higher than 30 degrees Celsius. Our distribution center is completely thermally insulated to achieve temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, we have a refrigerated chamber with controlled temperature between 2°C to 8°C degrees and with a pre-refrigeration chamber between 8°C to 12°C degrees that allows us to maintain adequate conditions throughout the cold chain process.
Our conditioning and printing area is conditioned with a positive induction air control system that allows us to guarantee the quality of our processes.
At the time of transportation, the vehicles comply with adequate temperatures, there are medicines that must be at temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, such as vaccines and oncological products, for these we have a cold chamber to meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
To guarantee the integrity of the products we handle them with a high sense of ownership.
Inventories must be perfectly stored and handled so that the customer has the certainty that all quality specifications and good storage, distribution and transportation practices are met.
How does a quality pharmaceutical logistics process benefit end customers?
The end consumer will receive a product that generates the intended effect because it has not lost any properties in the logistics chain. Drug logistics, in all its phases, is critical to maintain the quality of these products until they reach the final consumer.
Not all companies are qualified to maintain an adequate storage, transportation and distribution process.
What are the challenges facing pharmaceutical logistics companies at the moment?
The challenge is to maintain quality throughout the entire supply chain process.
In Inlog Pharma Division we have a Quality Area that aims to ensure that all processes are performed with the required quality. We permanently train our staff to maintain good practices in the operation and in accordance with our management system, which is also permanently audited. The focus is to control the application of good pharmaceutical logistics practices to ensure that the level of service to our customers’ clients is adequate and that the quality of the product is maintained throughout the process.
Why should pharmaceutical companies work with Inlog Pharma Division?
Because your products will be in the best hands and under the supervision of professionals with high commitment and responsibility, focused on meeting and satisfying your requirements, at the most competitive cost.
The Inlog – Provefarma Alliance has formed the most complete team in the country to meet the needs of each client. We adjust to the particular needs of each client. Inlog Pharma Division adapts to the client within the specifications of the Good Practices of Storage, Transport and Distribution (BPADT).
We are very clear about the process of continuous improvement and that the personnel must always be well trained and committed. Quality is a fundamental point in the pharmaceutical logistics industry.
What is the competitive advantage over other local logistics companies?
Inlog Pharma Division has the most complete infrastructure in Ecuador, therefore, with the appropriate standards to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
Additionally, we are co-located with the Advanced Logistics Center of the main Pharmacy Chain in Ecuador, generating important synergies between the laboratories and this channel, which represents more than 30% of the pharmaceutical market.
