Implementing Serialization Solutions: Key Challenges and Lessons Learned

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6. The integration of applications in warehouse and distribution centers is also critical. Antares Vision offers a unique and fully integrated solution spanning from production to post-lot reworking, shipments and returns, allowing pharma manufacturers to leverage their “core” investment in serialization, benefit from the same server infrastructure and reduce operators training. By aligning warehouse operations to the system, companies can reduce the risk of multi-vendor solutions and their mutual integration (versioning, validation, customer support), reduce the efforts and costs of long term maintenance and ultimately reduce the total cost of ownership.

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7. Moving beyond the implementation phase, after-sales support is vital to maintain the system up and running in the short and long term and maximize the OEE. 24/7 coverage must be ensured with a platform granting quick access to the full database of installations, line configurations and software versions, with technical support staff able to remotely connect into the systems to provide an immediate first diagnosis.

8. Following on this topic, while the number of requests for assistance tends to be higher immediately after the system is rolled out, they decrease drastically as the experience of operators grows: a proof of the fact that education is essential to ensure production continuity and long-term efficiency within a serialization environment. Because of the turnover of operators and the evolution of the solutions, education must be continuous. An e-learning platform can help keep the operators up to speed, as well as optimize the training efforts.

9. Finally, an early start to the planning of a serialization project is the ultimate key to success: when regulatory deadlines are set, the time for errors is not available anymore and improper implementation could prove a disaster.

Antares Vision had by 2016 installed solutions on over 1,000 production lines in 170 plants around the world. More than five billion stock keeping units (SKUs) have been serialized, aggregated, shipped, and notified utilizing Antares Vision solutions. Company has constantly grown its worldwide presence in recent years and through a network of qualified partners to provide pre- and post-sales technical assistance anywhere, fast response times and a highly flexible service in more than 50 countries worldwide.

* The author is Media relations manager at Antares Vision, Travagliato/Italy.

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