Digitalization of Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Systems using IoT Digital Enabler

Abstract

Compared to the other classic supply chain, the pharmaceutical supply chain has many critical challenges, such as cold chain transportation, temperature monitoring, long lead time, and counterfeiting prevention. Pharmaceutical products, such as medicines, drugs, vaccines, and specialty treatments, work as intended within a specific specified temperature. Below +25°C (controlled temperature), +2°C to +8°C (temperature-sensitive products), -20 °C to -40 °C (negative temperature), and -70 °C (ultra-low temperature) are some of the precise and regulated storage thresholds for various types of pharmaceutical products. The cold chain includes production, transport, and storage. It requires a reliable infrastructure to maintain a precise temperature when transporting from manufacturers to patients. This multiple qualitative case study aimed to investigate the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the pharmaceutical cold chain. The study involved interviewing various pharmaceutical managers with proven digital strategies for implementing IoT-based digital enablers. The theory of constraint was used as the conceptual framework for this qualitative multiple case study. Data from interviews and supporting documents were analyzed using data triangulation to discover themes. Two main themes emerged from data analysis: (a) Known or unknown constraints in the current cold chain system and (b) implementation of IoT-based digital enablers. Six key strategies were developed pertain to these two themes.