Fortunately, advances in technology have paved the way for innovative solutions that can help pharmaceutical companies overcome these challenges. One such solution is SAP EWM, a cutting-edge warehouse and supply chain management system that is transforming the way pharmaceutical companies manage their operations. With SAP EWM, pharmaceutical companies can optimize their supply chain, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By leveraging the power of this innovative system, pharmaceutical companies can focus on what they do best – developing life-saving drugs that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Real-time location tracking:
The pharma industry is one of the most demanding industries in terms of supply chain challenges. Because of the COVID-19 era and the increased demand for drug products, the existing warehouses and facilities can’t handle the product requirements. A solution called Extended Warehouse Management, which is implemented by SAP EWM offers a range of solutions for real-time location tracking challenges faced by the pharma Industry.
RFID tracking
SAP EWM solution enables real-time tracking of products in the supply chain. RFID tags can be attached to containers and readers placed at various points in the warehouse and distribution centre.
GPS Tracking
SAP EWM can be integrated with GPS tracking devices, which provide real-time location tracking for shipments during transportation.
Real-Time alerts
SAP EWM is an extremely powerful tool for optimising our delivery processes. It provides a very detailed analysis of all aspects of the transportation process: from route optimisation to real-time tracking, and it allows our customers to track their deliveries in real time.
Mobile Device
SAP EWM can be accessed using mobile devices, which enables warehouse workers and logistics teams to track the location of products in real time from anywhere in the warehouse or distribution centre. This also allows them to receive real-time updates on the status of shipments and take immediate action if any issues arise.
Shipping temperature excursions:
The SAP EWM application provides a complete solution for the management of temperature-sensitive product distribution, from receiving and storage to delivery and distribution.
Track and trace
SAP EWM tracks and traces products, instantly providing Managers with visibility into each item’s precise location and status.
GPS Tracking
SAP EWM can be integrated with GPS tracking devices, which provide real-time location tracking for shipments during transportation.
Temperature monitoring
SAP EWM can help pharmaceutical companies keep product temperatures within prescribed ranges by continuously monitoring the temperature of pharmaceuticals. This capability is especially important for products susceptible to temperature fluctuations, such as highly toxic drugs.
Increase in Business requirements:
SAP EWM is a sophisticated software solution that offers extensive warehouse and inventory management capabilities in the pharmaceutical industry. The solution can address the challenge of increasing business requirements by offering the following solutions.
Serialization
SAP EWM provides serialization capabilities to track and trace products throughout the supply chain, enabling compliance with regulations and maintenance of product quality.
Efficient inventory management
SAP EWM gives companies real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations. This enables companies to optimize inventory levels, reduce waste and improve delivery times.
Order management
SAP EWM enables efficient order management, including allocating and tracking inventory in real-time.
Quality management
SAP EWM enables companies to effectively manage their quality control processes, including inspections, quality checks, and product recalls.
Integration with other systems
SAP EWM enables seamless information flow across the organization by integrating with other systems, such as ERP and supply chain management software.
Document digitization:
Pharmaceutical companies face the challenge of digitizing their documents, which can be overcome by leveraging SAP EWM capabilities.
Electronic batch record management
The SAP EWM Electronic Batch Record (EBR) management feature allows pharmaceutical companies to maintain a digital record of all batches produced. This information includes material and process details, quality control results, and compliance information. EBRs enable companies to digitally track the entire production process, minimizing the need for paper documentation.
Digital signature management
SAP EWM offers digital signature management, enabling pharmaceutical companies to sign and approve documents electronically. This helps eliminate the need for physical signatures.
Document management system
SAP’s Document Management System (DMS) makes it easy for pharmaceutical companies to manage all their digital documents in a centralized location. This makes it possible for them to retrieve documents quickly, track revisions, and maintain version control.
Barcode scanning and RFID technology
The SAP EWM solution supports barcode scanning and RFID technology, which helps automate the identification and tracking of products throughout the supply chain. This helps improve efficiency and accuracy in inventory management, reducing errors and maintaining accurate records.
Compliance management
SAP EWM management ensures that pharmaceutical companies comply with all regulatory requirements related to documentation by ensuring that electronic records and signatures are used for all transactions, audit trails are maintained for all transactions, and document retention policies are followed.
Internal control and improving compliance to a new level:
SAP EWM offers a comprehensive solution to address control and compliance challenges unique to the pharmaceutical industry.
Enhanced traceability
SAP EWM provides enhanced traceability for inventory movements, enabling organizations to track the movement of inventory from its point of origin to its ultimate destination. This level of visibility can track essential information such as batch numbers, serial numbers and expiration dates. By leveraging this information, organizations can ensure the integrity of their supply chain while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Better inventory management
SAP EWM provides real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations. In the pharmaceutical industry, stockouts or overstocks can have severe consequences, thus real-time visibility into inventory levels is essential. By leveraging this real-time data, organizations can manage inventory more efficiently and avoid costly errors.
Workflow Automation
SAP EWM offers workflow automation as a significant benefit. Automation reduces the risk of errors and improves efficiency by automating key processes such as goods receipt, inventory updates, and order picking.
Labour shortage:
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) provides a viable solution for companies in the pharmaceutical industry to mitigate labour shortage challenges. By harnessing the power of automation and streamlining warehouse operations, EWM effectively reduces the dependence on manual labour. The following are some ways in which EWM can address this challenge.
Automation of warehouse operations
The implementation of robotics and automation technologies in SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management (EWM) automates various warehouse operations, including material handling, picking, packing and shipping. As a result of this automation, productivity increases. This effectively reduces the need for manual labor.
Labour planning and management
SAP ERP applications optimize labour planning and management by identifying labour-intensive activities, scheduling workers, and monitoring workforce availability, skills, and performance. Managers can utilize real-time visibility into workforce availability to allocate resources more effectively.
Mobile apps and wearables
SAP EWM offers mobile apps and wearables that expedite tasks’ completion without extensive training or supervision. This enhances productivity and reduces the learning curve for new workers.
Predictive analytics
SAP’s Enterprise Warehouse Management (EWM) system utilizes predictive analytics to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and enhance warehouse efficiency. This significantly reduces the need for overtime and temporary staff, effectively mitigating labor shortages.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the pharmaceutical industry faces numerous challenges in managing the complex supply chain that brings its products to market. However, with the help of innovative technologies like SAP EWM, these challenges can be overcome. By leveraging the power of SAP EWM, pharmaceutical companies can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The result is a more efficient and effective supply chain that delivers life-saving drugs to patients in need.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that innovative solutions like SAP EWM will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the industry’s success. By embracing these technologies and continuously adapting to changing market conditions, pharmaceutical companies can continue to innovate and positively impact the lives of people around the world.
