Grey market codes combat brand erosion and
parallel trading in unlabelled cosmetics and deliver real-time checks for
pharmaceutical products. The PMP (Production Management Platform) from Atlantic
Zeiser is a new scalable software
solution for controlling modern production and shipping processes for
pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging. Being exhibited at FachPack 2012 it is
based on comprehensive product tracking (Track & Trace) and measures to
combat counterfeiting (Anti-Counterfeiting) and the grey market (Anti-Diversion)
to successfully counteract product piracy.
Checking, reporting and comparing: these are
the basic steps involved in verifying cosmetic and pharmaceutical products and
tracking them throughout the logistics chain. PMP (Production Management
Platform), the new software to be presented by the Atlantic Zeiser Group at
FachPack 2012, combines brand and consumer security, offering complete product
tracking and protection against counterfeiting and diversion. PMP controls the
entire production, labeling, shipping and returns process in line with
stringent security standards. The packaging carries not only information, but
also various codes and other features of branded products. At FachPack in
Nuremberg on 25 - 27 September 2012, the company will be demonstrating a range
of new solutions in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Find Atlantic
Zeiser at Stand 117 in Hall 4.
Grey market products cost the cosmetics
industry millions. They may reduce the credibility of, and inflict long-term
damage to, a brand reputation built up over a period of many years. When
branded products enter a parallel trade, they can be sold by discount retailers
at significantly reduced prices. They create undesirable competition for
premium sales channels established through major investment, and start to erode
brand value.
In the case of pharmaceutical products, the
primary concern is the potentially serious consequences for patients. Consumers
believe they are buying a genuine product, but if it is a counterfeit, they
cannot be sure of its effectiveness or what it contains.
To tell a genuine product from a fake, you
need reliable verification features on the packaging that guarantee a product
is genuine. PMP uses interfaces to access the relevant data on all levels of a
production or logistics system and makes them available as required in real time
during the individual process stages for seamless checking. PMP also offers
individual reports and audit functions and comes with a built-in random number
generator to create unique product ID codes that can be checked during shipping
and at the point of sale.
As pharmaceutical manufacturers operate on a
global scale, they are required to comply with a variety of coding
specifications in different countries. PMP provides the optimum database
application for complex code management, allowing the user to generate, manage,
verify and track different codes depending on the country and region.
Real-time
verification with PMP Track & Trace
The PMP Track & Trace software module
logs all actions on every production unit or machine involved in the production
process. This ensures that all data and information on ingredients used and
their batch numbers, on machines, production lines, factories as well as shipping,
final destination and customer can be comprehensively recorded and tracked. In
addition, all actions are assigned reliable time stamps providing seamless
traceability and reconstruction of the production process. Derived properties
such as the expiry date or unique identification features like serialization
numbers are linked directly to the corresponding product packaging.
A random number generator ensures the
allocation of a unique serial number or a corresponding code. This ensures full
product traceability based on the identification features assigned. The
packaging data provides sufficient information for the verification process
across the entire production and supply chain. The latest interface solutions
guarantee secure real-time data exchange.
PMP Track & Trace also provides secure
interfaces for the actual verification processes that permit the transmission
of exported product codes via various media (e.g. secure Internet connection /
dedicated line, GSM, etc.). PMP Track & Trace verifies that the codes
received are genuine, and returns the result immediately. The data transfers
are securely encrypted and carried out in real time. Modern media such as
smartphones can also be used and the verification processes can be initiated
from any location.
Extra
guarantee with AZ Trust Centre
The services of a trust centre are often used
to generate serial numbers or grey market codes, particularly if the carton
printing is being carried out by a supplier. Atlantic Zeiser operates its own
AZ Trust Center that guarantees unique codes for long time intervals, as well
as the secure storage and management of the codes and numbers. This simplifies
the processes within the production site considerably as it is not then
necessary to generate these codes or ensure that the codes are unique.
To discover the company’s complete range of
products, systems and services, visit www.atlanticzeiser.com
