Information System Costs of Utilizing Electronic Product Codes in Achieving Global Data Synchronization within the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network

Abstract

Numerous benefits of implementation of global data synchronization (GDSN) in the pharmaceutical supply chain have been identified, including reduced counterfeiting, decreased medication errors, increased supply chain efficiency, and standardized regulatory evolution. For this study, a complete GDSN supply chain framework was developed as a model for the industry to achieve Global Standard (GS1) standards. Each supply chain member must have a strong enterprise resource planning (ERP) information system to accommodate the initial electronic product code information services (EPCIS). A web-based Datapool—which connects the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer—will assist in reaching the data synchronization stage. The most important step is to have an open standard of GS1 global registry to enable the Epedigree to be traced through the supply chain system. When combined with EPCIS, as well as electronic product code global (EPCglobal) standardization and GS1 Global Registry, the supply chain can achieve global data synchronization and traceability. The comprehensive GDSN framework provided in this study provides the pharmaceutical industry an estimate of the total costs of attaining a global data synchronization network.