Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/276262
• Resource stability. Does the partner have the re sources and reserves in place to tackle short-term projects and supply long-term service? Pharmaceutical manufacturers should opt for highly automated electronic systems when selecting a track-and- trace system. That is the only way to institute a data- management system that functions reliably and securely across all manufacturing levels. Furthermore, companies should ensure that the systems implemented have a mod- ular design that provides the flexibility to integrate them with the most varied production lines. Interoperability The best serialization and aggregation systems operate seamlessly and company-wide. But because these systems have such a vast number of control stations and integra- tion points, they can be a struggle to manage. Mini - mizing that struggle requires smooth data flow and infor- mation exchange between all subsystems and across all interfaces, especially the central data carrier. These multi- ple-unit systems will comprise various data sources, processors, and storage systems and can succeed only if all information is automated at the right time and place. Only then is each use of the data documented properly and in accordance with applicable regulations. For instance, each link in the tracking chain must speak the same "language," regardless whether it is hard- ware—labeling devices and inspection systems, for exam- ple—or software, such as the platform that manages the production line. At the same time, the system must accept new components and allow their integration into existing structures, such as ERP systems. That's why my company provides not just labeling and inspection systems, but the corresponding software for managing the production line. Coming from a single source, these component systems ensure interoperability. They also interface with current ERP systems, can include certification for specific ERPs, and ensure easy and reli- able integration into a central database. Efficiency Using state-of-the-art production lines, pharmaceutical manufacturers generally improve efficiency by increasing throughput. This means that, in the future, serialization and aggregation will need to be processed even faster. From the beginning, all system components—from print- ing and categorization to data storage—should be designed to accommodate an increase in speed. In a cen- tralized, networked system, faster production lines can also require changes in how higher-level IT systems oper- ate. At the same time, gains in efficiency must not lead come at the expense of security. To that end, serialization equipment and the associated infrastructure must always be closely tailored to the company's future performance targets. Summary Seamless track-and-trace by means of serialization and aggregation requires an extremely complex infrastructure that affects numerous areas of a company and thus requires solid integration expertise. Now is the time for pharmaceutical companies to begin planning a conver- sion that takes the entire company into consideration and handles it as a management task. It's also important to find a supplier with experience, one who can serve as a partner from the outset and provide a wide range of solu- tions that it can monitor and support over the long term. T&C Marcus Pabsch is head of product management at Mettler Toledo PCE, Gernsheimer Strasse 2, 64673 Zwingenberg, Ger- many. Tel. +49 6251 85 450. The US contact is Jim Roberts: jim.roberts@mt.com. Website: www.mt.com/pce. Tablets & Capsules March 2014 35 In the future, serialization and aggregation will need to be processed even faster. Missing Something? Find it with our FREE Online Buyer's Guide at tabletscapsules.com i-Pabschart_33-35_Masters 3/5/14 10:14 AM Page 35