In the world of distribution of products that require special handling, such as vaccines, medicines, or biotechnology products, the reliability of logistics systems becomes a crucial factor. One approach that is now increasingly being applied by companies in the health sector is cold chain logistics- a logistics system that keeps the temperature of the goods stable from the starting point to the end user.
In Indonesia, the need for this system is increasing along with the development of the pharmaceutical industry and increasing health product safety standards.
This article will comprehensively discuss the definition of cold chain logistics, its benefits, how to optimize it, and its application in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in Indonesia.
Pengertian Cold Chain Logistics
Cold chain logistics is a logistics system designed to maintain the stability of temperature sensitive products during the process of storage, transportation, and distribution. The temperature that is maintained usually ranges from 2°C to 8°C, depending on the type of product.
Cold chain is not only limited to refrigerated cabinets or refrigerated trucks, but covers the entire process:
- Temperature controlled storage
- Transport with active cooling system
- Real-time temperature monitoring
- Standard handling procedures (SOP) in product distribution
In the pharmaceutical industry, cold chain is a vital system for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of drugs.
Manfaat Cold Chain Logistics
The application of cold chain logistics provides many benefits, especially in the health and pharmaceutical industries. Here are some of its main benefits:
1. Maintain Product Quality
Pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, serums and active pharmaceutical ingredients are very sensitive to temperature changes. If the temperature is not up to standard, the chemical structure and effectiveness of the product can decrease dramatically. With a reliable cold chain system, product quality is maintained from the warehouse to the hands of consumers.
2. Reduce The Risk Of Damage
Temperature fluctuations in the distribution process can cause the product to become unfit for use, even dangerous if it remains in use. Cold chain logistics helps reduce this risk with a consistent temperature control system. As a result, the company can minimize financial losses due to product damage and avoid potential legal risks.
3. Regulatory compliance
National and international health authorities such as BPOM and WHO establish strict regulations regarding the storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products. With a standard-compliant cold chain, companies can ensure compliance with these regulations, which ultimately supports the smooth distribution and accreditation of products.
4. Increase Consumer Confidence
When consumers and business partners know that a product is managed through a standardized and secure supply chain, the level of trust in the brand will increase. This is especially important for pharmaceutical companies that want to build a long-term reputation in the local and global markets.
5. Supply Chain Efficiency
Cold chain integrated with logistics management system allows companies to perform tracking, stock prediction, and delivery planning more efficiently. Thus, the company can reduce waste, streamline delivery times, and increase control over the entire distribution process.
6. Improve Product Competitiveness
With higher quality assurance thanks to cold chain logistics, Indonesian pharmaceutical companies can increase their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Products that are maintained in quality have a higher selling value and are easier to penetrate the export market.
Penerapan Cold Chain Logistics dalam Industri Pharmaceutical
The pharmaceutical industry is the sector most dependent on a solid cold chain system. In Indonesia, the implementation of cold chain pharmaceutical logistics has become a major concern, especially since the increasing need for vaccines and the distribution of medical products to various remote areas.
Some forms of implementation in the field include:
1. Vaccine Distribution
The national vaccination Program requires a distribution system capable of reaching remote areas without degrading product quality. Cold chain allows the vaccine to remain effective up to the point of Health Services.
2. Delivery Of Biotechnology Products
Biological products such as insulin or protein-based therapies require a strictly stable temperature. Errors in distribution can lead to loss of product functionality.
3. Direct delivery service to customers (B2B Delivery Service)
Direct distribution services to B2B customers, such as farms, veterinary clinics, and regional distributors, are generally performed by implementing cold chain standards and strict quality control systems to ensure products remain in optimal condition when received.
With the support of an adequate logistics fleet and a professional team, the delivery process is designed to run quickly, safely, and still maintain product integrity at every stage of the supply chain.
4. Export-Import of medicines
In a global context, Indonesian pharmaceutical companies that export must also follow international cold chain standards so that products can be accepted in the destination country.
5. Digital pharmacy and E-commerce
The trend of digital pharmacy and e-commerce is growing. The cold chain system supports this model by ensuring product quality is maintained throughout the fulfillment process to the hands of consumers.
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The application of cold chain logistics has become an important part in maintaining the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products, including in the animal health sector. Medion Ardhika Bhakti has implemented this system in various aspects of distribution, ranging from vaccine delivery to various regions, direct services to B2B customers, to the distribution process of animal health products in Indonesia. In addition, Medion Ardhika Bhakti also continues to adjust to the development of the industry, including supporting the trend of digital pharmaceuticals through a cold chain-based distribution system.
We provide delivery services directly to B2B customers such as farms, veterinary clinics, to regional distributors. In every delivery process, Medion Ardhika Bhakti applies the standard cold chain and strict quality control system to ensure the product remains in optimal condition until it is received by customers.
With the support of an experienced fleet and logistics team, we are committed to delivering fast, secure distribution services, while maintaining product integrity at every point in the supply chain.Visit home Medion Ardhika Bhakti for complete information about our products and services.
If you want to consult further or establish a partnership, please contact us via Contact page.
References
- World Health Organization. “Temperature sensitivity of vaccines.”
- BPOM Indonesia. “Technical Instructions For The Distribution Of Drugs.”
- ASEAN Guidelines on Good Distribution Practice.
- GS1 Indonesia. “Cold Chain Management in the Healthcare Supply Chain.”
- WHO Technical Report Series, No. 961, 2011 – Annex 9: Model guidance for the storage and transport of time- and temperature–sensitive pharmaceutical products.
- Frost & Sullivan. “Global Cold Chain Logistics Market Analysis.”
