As a pharmaceutical manufacturer, you may think coding and marking systems are error-prone and at many times difficult to manage. Whether for printing barcodes, 2D codes, expiration dates, lot codes, Data Matrix codes or other data, the pharmaceutical industry is one in which reliable coding is a must, not an option.
Counterfeiting has been a huge concern in the pharmaceutical industry for decades, and is still a problem today; perhaps it’s an even bigger concern given the growth of the Internet. The right marking and coding equipment not only helps ensure authenticity, but does so in a way that doesn’t obviously intrude on design or product packaging – important for brands.
In the pharmaceutical industry, consumers and brands are particularly concerned about safety data and authenticity, because prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products are strictly regulated and frequently illegally reproduced or counterfeited. In fact, 10-digit codes are required on products according to the FDA, meaning pharmaceuticals must have a universal product identifier for the purpose of informing consumers, physicians, and others of the dosage, product, medication strength, vendor, package size, formula, and more.
Variable marking, coding, and identification help you manage the supply chain and implement quick recalls in the event an unfortunate issue arises. Traceability is one of the most important reasons for coding and marking, however it can also protect and strengthen your brand, and help deliver a better consumer experience through the tracking of consumer habits – where the customer purchases the product, if a target audience is engaging through promotions or loyalty/rewards cards, and more.
As you can clearly see, coding and marking in the pharmaceutical industry is not an option, it’s mandatory. The question is, how can you make it all easier, reduce errors, and keep the production lines running without interruption? Learn more about our exceptional industrial printing solutions at REA JET U.S., where we provide real solutions to real demands.