Ceepackaging

Technology

Track and trace for medical products

Track & Trace by Uhlmann is a system that marks and verifies pharmaceutical products so that every step of the packaging process can be checked at a later date. It also guarantees greater safety against counterfeiting as well as product and process reliability.

Uhlmann mainly opts to use 2D codes for its Track & Trace system as numerous advantages speak in their favor. The widely-used information carrier stores large amounts of data in a small space. The code can be scanned quickly and easily from all directions and even over considerable distances. However, Uhlmann also offers other integral solutions to trace pharmaceutical products. These include the use of RFID technology, for example. This system is characterized by even larger ranges and higher data processing rates. As opposed to 2D codes, RFID tags can be scanned without visible contact. Furthermore, the tags can be rewritten.

Legislation requires identification of each smallest unit of sale, i.e. as a rule the carton or bottle. Uhlmann goes one step further and offers the possibility of applying a 2D code to blisters. This allows production data such as sealing pressure, sealing temperature, type of forming material, forming material batch and inspection camera results to be integrated on each blister – an added measure of process reliability. This solution offers advantages in terms of in-process control and validation during the packaging process.

How is the identification code applied to the carton and the blister? The code includes a unique serial number as well as encoded data such as the batch number and expiry date. Laser or ink-jet printing systems apply the code to the packaging. A camera verifies this and scans it. All data are linked and stored in the Uhlmann tracking database. The camera as well as the laser and ink-jet systems are from Uhlmann VisioTec.

Track & Trace not only identifies blisters and cartons but also identifies further packaging units such as packaging cases. A camera at the infeed of the case packer reads the 2D codes on the cartons. This data is stored in the Uhlmann tracking database and linked with the information from the 2D codes on the packaging cases. This so-called parent/child relationship can be repeated with further downstream machines. This enables the pharmaceutical manufacturer to check every packaging step of the medicinal product.

Track & Trace is not only available for new machines. Machines already in operation can easily be upgraded. Uhlmann offers a wide range of innovative and customized solutions – either integrated or as an independent, downstream unit.