Automating manual processes using new technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) offer ways for companies to overcome some of the issues that passive loggers present and gain full visibility of their supply chain operations.

Now's not the time to be passive

Temperature management is a vital process for pharma, but one where standard processes are in need of an upgrade. In every area of modern life, wireless solutions and automation are driving huge gains in productivity as well as providing real-time insight into how long-established processes can be improved. For temperature management, the enhanced visibility and time savings that seamless monitoring and live data can bring are likely to lead directly to cost savings.

And with over $34 million being spent annually on handling temperature excursions and the wasted products that can result from them, any savings made here are going to have a significant impact on revenue.

Currently, passive USB loggers are the pharma industry standard. Not only does this require a number of manual steps, but it imposes some serious limitations. A member of the team has to locate the logger, insert it into another device (which may at a different location), and manually upload the data. This results in data gaps and unnecessary delays, and also increases the risk of unwanted temperature excursions.

Time-consuming, potentially costly, and even frustrating for warehouse and site staff, these manual steps are a set part of the temperature excursion management process across the globe. But they do not have to be.

Better solutions are already here

It seems that pharma companies are beginning to turn against passive USB loggers. Many companies are now restricting access to USB ports due to network security concerns, while the lack of visibility of shipment condition during missions is now a commonly highlighted concern in terms of compliance. For professionals looking for alternatives, the good news is that new technologies for tracking and temperature logging are available now.

Automating temperature management removes the manual steps. By providing live data at every stage of the supply chain process, teams can proactively replace shipments or see if a shipment is approaching its stability budget. This is not just a small tweak to the temperature excursion management process, but a potentially transformative change.

Working with pharma to address these challenges, TSS has explored different technologies as a solution for global, seamless monitoring for an automating temperature management process. Radio frequency ID (RFID) is a trusted, low cost and reliable technology, but the need for specific proprietary hardware and scanners means it is not really a globally viable option. GPS and cellular solutions, on the other hand, can provide continuous tracking but are power-intensive and are subject to restrictions when it comes to air traffic.

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology holds the best potential in terms of efficiency, cost, and error reduction. It builds upon the reliability of previous versions but adds more range with minimal additional power consumption. Crucially, it is almost universally compatible with laptops, desktops, tablets and phones, and the infrastructure is globally available. It is enabling automated, no-touch tracking and uploads to the cloud with high reliability and fewer regulatory limitations.

This is exactly what TSS BLE Solution offers.

Choosing the right solution

Digitalized pharma supply chains make high-quality data easily accessible, while ERP integration makes sure data collection is clean and consistent. This seamless monitoring of live data can not only streamline operations and identify cost savings but also drive sustainability and reduce waste.

TSS BLE Solution is a global IoT solution for automating temperature management that provides seamless monitoring and live data for pharma supply chains via a gateway device or mobile app. The TSS BLE Solution gives it flexibility and global connectivity, while the design makes it simple to install and operate. It is an effective solution no matter which mode of transport is being used.

There are still situations where conventional loggers are absolutely fit for purpose. When more visibility, reliability, and efficiency are needed, however, TSS BLE Solution provides a cost-effective and universally applicable solution. Arrange a call with one of our experts about the TSS BLE Solution today by emailing us at customer.service@tss.se