Pharmaceutical printing is not a simple process. The process begins with a coding and verification process on the substrate. It checks for print defects, cutting defects, and substrate defects. A data matrix code is printed at the beginning of each job. This allows the inspection rewinder to automatically retrieve job specifications. Ideally, pharmaceutical printing processes have a complete verification trail to ensure quality and accuracy.
Challenges of Pharmaceutical Printing
Challenges of pharmaceutical printing packaging include the need to ensure the accuracy of vital information, which is not always an easy task. The printing process also requires the inclusion of multiple materials, frequent layout changes, and the inclusion of both textual and non-textual information. The advent of automated visual inspection systems, using state-of-the-art equipment and software algorithms, allows for the evaluation of printed surfaces of all compositions. These systems also help facilitate the adoption of unique identifiers for products.
In addition to the challenges of pharmaceutical printing, pharma printing packaging requires the use of security measures. Security measures like barrier lamination and migration resistance are important to ensure the safety and integrity of the product. Additionally, child safety is a priority. Moreover, a number of pharma companies are now looking towards more environmentally conscious packaging solutions. To make sure these features are protected, pharmaceutical packaging should be secured at all times.
Quality Affected Issues
Another issue that affects the quality of pharmaceutical packaging is labelling errors. Many labels on drugs contain inaccurate information, including misspelled text or the wrong product names. This also results in incorrect translations and fonts. In addition, the omission of country-specific information is a common error. As a result, ensuring that labels are readable is vital.
In addition to the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply of solid-dose bulk drugs. As a result, pharmaceutical companies have experienced shortages of staff and materials. Some of these companies are no longer able to operate their facilities or obtain all the ingredients they need. Additionally, there has been a shortage of paperboard and labeling stock.
Pharmaceuticals require strict compliance with the quality standards set by the US FDA and the drug control administration. This requires packaging that is safe and efficient. Fortunately, the pharmaceutical industry has been working to meet these challenges with innovative solutions. Innovative packaging materials and packaging techniques help ensure the integrity of the product. For a more effective pharmaceutical packaging process, the pharmaceutical industry must continue to evolve.
Another Challenges
One of the biggest challenges to pharmaceutical packaging is the increasing complexity of these products. Increasingly sophisticated packaging systems are needed to protect the medicine from tampering. This is especially important when shipping the product in containers. Increasing shipping costs have made drug manufacturers re-examine their packaging strategies.
Another challenge is globalization. As global channels open up, pharmaceutical packaging must evolve to meet international standards and ensure patient safety. As a result, the industry will need to adopt better research and development methods. Many pharmaceutical industries still spend very little time on R&D, which means that conventional pharmaceutical packaging is not providing adequate protection against counterfeiting or quality issues. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is slow to adapt to new packaging technologies and innovations.
One way to overcome these challenges is to use a specification management system. This software helps pharmaceutical manufacturers better collaborate with their suppliers. This will help them better connect with suppliers and enhance their overall pharmaceutical supply chain.
Codes and Markings Options
Coding and marking pharmaceutical products is an important part of ensuring the quality and safety of medicines. This coding can be done using various methods, including barcodes, serial numbers, randomized tracking numbers, or hidden images. Coded pharmaceutical products can help increase the level of trust among users and prevent counterfeiting.
Choosing a pharmaceutical marking system can be confusing, but there are a number of options available. Hardware and software solutions differ greatly and have their pros and cons, so it's a good idea to consult experts before making a final decision. A good source of information on pharmaceutical marking options is C&M Digest, which provides unbiased reviews and analysis of the latest technologies. The publication also offers in-depth coverage of the top brands in the industry.
When choosing between different coding technologies, it's important to choose those that offer the highest level of quality. Some of the most common types of pharmaceutical marking systems are thermal transfer overprinters, laser marking systems, and software solutions. These options can increase your packaging's visibility and accuracy and reduce potential misprints and errors.
Thermal Transfer Printing
Thermal transfer printing offers high resolution printing of 2D and linear bar codes, text, logos, and other information. The technology also offers high throughput for dense coding applications. Aside from thermal transfer printing, thermal inkjet printers are also suitable for pharmaceutical packaging. Their high-resolution printing technology provides high quality serialization, traceability, and other essential information on pharmaceutical products.
Codes and marking options for pharmaceutical printing packaging are a key part of the production process. The latest innovations in the field of pharmaceutical printing are aimed at reducing costs and improving patient safety. DataMatrix 2D bar codes are a valuable tool for pharmaceutical manufacturers, and they are a standard code carrier for several serialization initiatives.
Pharmaceutical packaging is a fast-growing industry with a five percent growth rate every year. Its growing global value is fueled by the aging demographics and increasing compliance requirements. Pharmaceutical packaging solutions are required to meet the highest standards of product protection, tamper evidence, patient comfort, and security needs.
Automation Options for Quality Control
When pharmaceutical printers are creating packages for their products, quality control is an essential part of the process. Fortunately, there are a number of automation options available to ensure quality control during the manufacturing process. For example, the DISCOVERY PharmaPQ platform provides real-time print defect detection and validation, which ensures that every print job is accurate. It can also detect die-cut variations, smudges, hazing, and creases. Furthermore, it offers powerful but simple-to-use OCR functionality that validates serial/lot numbers and expiration dates.
Pharmaceutical printing houses often face significant challenges, and strategic-thinking printing providers can automate production workflows and record-keeping for better quality control. Many pharmaceutical companies face high-stakes requirements for GMP compliance, and the packaging of their products is critical to this compliance. In addition to being compliant with regulations, packaging must also appeal to the consumer and contain critical information such as ingredients, directions for use, and side effects. Automation solutions can help pharmaceutical companies maintain compliance and quality control, resulting in long-term contracts and improved processes.
Quality Control
Pharmaceutical printing packaging quality control is an important aspect of product safety, and shrink wrapping is one way to achieve both. The process can also be used to add tamper-resistant protection to pharmaceutical products. Over the last decade, significant advancements in automation have been made for pharmaceutical packaging. These advancements have improved the computing power of PLC controls, servo-driven motors, and high-speed camera technology. High-speed wrapping with precise print registration is possible with these solutions.
Cobalt offers automated print and apply systems that can help Pharmaceutical businesses achieve accurate traceability, faster production times, and full compliance with international standards. Automated print and apply systems can also be used to ensure the accuracy of information on labels and packaging. Automation solutions also help pharmaceutical businesses meet the unique challenges of shipping medical goods. When shipping their products, pharmaceuticals must adhere to WHO regulations and the regulations of their destination countries.
Pharmaceutical packaging automation can increase productivity and minimize the need for human intervention. However, the cost of automation needs to be weighed against the benefits. For example, high-speed, high-capacity automation is not always the best solution for every packaging need. Automation must be able to meet a company's needs and generate a meaningful return.
Manual Proofreading
While manual proofreading is an essential element in the manufacturing process, automated quality inspections are faster and more accurate. This can reduce the number of errors and recalls in the finished product. Pharmaceutical packaging is highly complex and requires high levels of accuracy and reliability. Moreover, errors in packaging can result in costly product recalls and obsolete inventories.
Pharmaceutical packaging must meet specific requirements for labeling and printing. The packaging must also include a serialized number so that the product can be tracked and traced. Moreover, the packaging must comply with the approval artwork. It is important that the printing company checks the final print against the approved artwork before submitting it to authorities.