ICE Launches New Guide on Pharmaceutical Coding Options

Interactive Coding Equipment (ICE), a supplier of coding and marking solutions, has produced a detailed guide to help pharmaceutical manufacturers make informed choices in the selection of suitable coding equipment for their applications.

According to ICE, many manufacturers will have to review their coding operations in light of the upcoming European Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD). The new ICE pharmaceutical guide explains the principles of serialization and how it can deliver effective traceability in the fight against counterfeiting.

The guide reviews the different coding technologies available such as thermal transfer, thermal inkjet, continuous inkjet, laser, case coders, and label print applicators, and their suitability for the demands of pharmaceutical coding. It also lists the key considerations for pharmaceutical manufacturers when selecting a coding solution. The importance of a common operating system is emphasized. The guide covers key performance criteria such as speed, “last label” capability for label print applicators, and the ability to produce an audit trail, all of which are essential to achieving effective serialization.

ICE notes that most pharmaceutical companies operate globally. Being part of such a highly regulated industry means that the type of codes required by pharmaceutical manufacturers may have wider implications and also affect the selection of the right coder.

“Without an effective coding system, pharmaceutical manufacturers are unable to operate internationally and so they cannot afford to make the wrong decisions when selecting their equipment,” commented ICE managing director Chris Simpson in a press statement. He said that the ICE pharmaceutical guide has been developed to provide impartial advice to help companies make the right choices.

The pharmaceutical guide can be downloaded at www.interactivecoding.co.uk/pharma-guide/.

The ICE barcode and secondary packaging guides can be viewed and downloaded at www.interactivecoding.co.uk/resources/guides.