Getting the full value out of your supply chain temperature data

We want to help our clients use their temperature management data as effectively as possible. The companies we work with are often surprised when we show them just how many applications this data actually has. As well as helping prevent excursions, temperature data can help pharma companies save money, increase their end-to-end visibility and operate more effectively.  

Here are four examples of the wider applications of your supply chain temperature data.  

Route optimization

For many companies, a principal challenge for gaining more visibility over supply chains is collecting data during the transit phase itself. This can make the process of reviewing transport lanes or routes difficult.  

For example, integrating with freight forwarders to capture cargo milestones allows supply chain managers to track shipment temperature at every step of the journey. If more excursions happen in transit during the road phase or while shipments are waiting to be packed at airports, these parts of the process can be examined more closely.

Using analytics and reporting, we can help our clients see exactly where excursions tend to occur and proactively put in place measures to reduce them. For example, for one of our major pharmaceutical clients, the challenge is maintaining visibility over-temperature performance as shipments move from air and sea to road. The data from our temperature monitoring solution allowed the company to identify where bottlenecks and delays are most likely to occur and adapt their processes accordingly.  

Process optimization

The global and complex nature of pharmaceutical supply chains makes it very easy to focus on the big picture, especially when there are multiple shipments en route to different locations at the same time. But the temperature data we collect can help companies take a closer look at the smaller details that may themselves have larger effects.  

One area that can have a surprisingly significant is the way shipments are packed onto different modes of transport. There can often be a large variance in temperature from the position of boxes, such as how close they are located to doors. This can not only help to reduce excursions during the transit phase but also makes sure that they don’t occur while shipments are being packed or unpacked. Companies may be able to improve their temperature management performance but also reduce shipping costs by looking at the weight and size of the boxes used.

Enhanced site training

Having a better view of where exactly excursions are taking place is also a valuable input when it comes to providing onsite training to staff. Our team works together with client site and supply chain management teams to use their temperature data to identify areas where site processes can be tightened up and then create targeted training programs to resolve the issues quickly.  

One example of a relatively simple problem to fix is site staff not properly recycling temperature monitors. This often means that these monitors remain pending in the temperature monitoring system which can make it harder to accurately see what is happening on a site. Luckily, this problem can be solved quickly. Some other site challenges may require more detailed training.

Maximum visibility. Maximum value

Temperature data is an important resource for pharmaceutical companies and one that can help drive continuous improvement in their supply chains. We have been working closely with the industry for 30 years to help it save costs, reduce waste and ultimately provide the best possible results for patients all over the world. Our team is always on hand to help you dig into your data and see what insights we can reveal together.