There are plenty of potential pitfalls that face the pharmaceutical supply chain as it currently exists today. Both pharma and logistics companies need to be aware of these and the strategies required to deal with them, if they are to avoid wasting money, resources and personnel. Here are the five most pressing issues you need to keep front of mind:

Lack of coordination – this is a hefty challenge for such a global industry as pharmaceuticals. There are often so many links in the chain that the most resilient, adaptable and successful supply chains must be well coordinated. This, however, is not always an easy task. At FlyPharma, we present the benefits of a collaborative approach to pharmaceutical supply chains. To kick off day two, Mark Blanchard from the BioPhorum Operations Group will tell us how to shake up biotech innovation, knowledge transfer and operational best practice through a collaborative approach.

Temperature control – another big one as pharmaceutical products often need to be held at a constant temperature throughout its whole journey cycle to ensure usability for the patient. Air, sea, rail or road – each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The technology is available to us, but utilising them to the fullest presents a challenge. Brussels Airport is a good example of a company that has taken steps to make itself a hub for pharma with, among other improvements, its commitment to the cold chain. Steven Polmans from BRUCargo will reveal exactly how they have allowed pharma to take flight.

Compliance – adherence to regulations worldwide is an absolute must within the pharmaceutical supply chain. With enhanced EU regulations coming into effect over the next few years, and the US stepping up its regulatory framework for the movement of medicines, keeping abreast of all compliance developments is essential. At FlyPharma, we have not one, but two engaged sessions untangling the regulatory knots: Andrew Lester at Expeditors and Mark Edwards from Modalis will fill you in on the facts you need to know.

Data – possibly the greatest opportunity and challenge simultaneously, the utilisation of the data available across the pharma supply chain can often be a largely untapped resource. The collection and sharing of information can lead to a more efficient, effective and transparent process. Jean Verheyan shows us how.

Scientific advances – the supply chain doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is a crucial tool that ensures the weighty efforts of research and development, as well as the manufacturing and production of a finished product, reach those who need it. When science takes a step forward, the pharmaceutical supply chain cannot stand still. It needs to react accordingly to the demands and advances of the industry. Johnson and Johnson’s Gino Vleugels is set to speak at FlyPharma about how they achieved this very thing during the Ebola crisis in West Africa.

With all of these issues, and more, addressed at the conference, we’ll get you to where you need to be at FlyPharma. To attend this year’s conference, please click here.