Expert Interview

7th Annual PharmaMed Logistics 2010
19th – 20th October 2010, Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney

The pharmaceutical industry is facing an ever increasing number of challenges as it is trying to sustain strong revenue growth. Patents of blockbuster medicines are expiring; the delivery of innovation is decreasing while the demand for specialist high value treatment is rising.

The provision of an efficient supply chain establishes a core component of a successful and cost effective operation.

We had the chance to speak with Ged Halstead, CIO at Clifford Hallam Healthcare about the role of emerging technologies that will drive supply chain efficiency in the future. Read the interview below.

From a wholesaler’s perspective, what role does the supply chain have in supporting the financial viability of your business operation?

Supply chain efficiency and effectiveness is vital in a low margin high volume business such as healthcare wholesaling. There is no room for errors as supply chain mishaps invariably hit the bottom line and shakes customer confidence in a very competitive industry.


RFID is still an emerging technology and not yet widely used, what is its future? What will be the practical uses that will drive its uptake?

RFID has a lot to offer and would no doubt be the hot technology adaptation of the next 5 years... if it was embraced the same way as linear bar codes have been adopted. Without any critical mass in healthcare supply chain it is difficult seeing the technology being able to deliver the great potential it has to offer. If there was legislative pressure to enhance digital traceability where compliance becomes a mandate, then the uptake would be greater and the technology adaptors would commence the value added services around traceability would come to the fore. This would also give rise to greater automation and robotics in healthcare supply chain


Where will improvements to the pharmaceutical supply chain come from in the future and what trends will drive them?

Data collection devices such as data bars and data matrix will allow stronger capability in the specific areas like healthcare cold chain. The increased use of logistics labels and ASN will improve visibility and competitiveness in pharmaceutical supply chain. When measures such as SIFOT, DIFOT and DIFOTQ become readily available the supply chain effectiveness will improve as manufacturers have capability to measure their distributor’s performance and vice versa. The lack of present day measurement is a genuine weak link in the chain. Better measurement capability will lead to a sharpening of lead times, a reduction in safety stocks and add more confidence to the industry for guaranteed outcomes.


You will be participating in the 7th annual PharmaMed Logistics conference. What can our delegates expect to get out of the conference?

Hopefully a vigorous debate about how we can collectively embrace modern day supply chain principals to remove obstacles to deliver better outcomes for our end customers... the Australian patient and add more value to the Australian taxpayer, knowing that the cost of healthcare supply chain is inhibiting the effectiveness of health schemes we all rely on such as the PBS.

Book your place now with our secure online booking system. Click here to register

To request a copy of the full programme, please email Katy Henson