Category: Conferences

Plane Over Docklands

Feedback from the IQPC Temperature Controlled Logistics Conference 2017

ASC were delighted to be part of this year’s IQPC Temperature Controlled Logistics Conference 2017. Hosted for the first time in London, the stage was set within the historic London dockland at ExCel. Our CEO Amy Shortman was honoured to be Chairwoman for the conference, saying, “IQPC believe that this is the first time this conference has been Chaired by a woman and I am thrilled to take part”.

Amy’s opening remarks as Chairwoman drew parallels between the Historic Docklands and the challenges we find ourselves dealing with today. The Docklands, which were once a major part of the supply chain, are no longer used since containerized sea freight needs larger vessels and in turn deep sea docks.  Similar changes in the way we handle freight can be seen today, with greater regulatory pressure creating more complex supply chains and sensitive products increasing the need for greater emphasis on temperature controlled logistics and supply chain security.

Amy Shortman ASC CEO Chairwoman of IQPC Temperature Controlled Logistics Conference 2017

As the conference progressed, a key theme began to emerge, that of the need for greater collaboration combined with outsourcing of key activities to those with the best skills and expertise. Pharmaceutical companies are slowly realising the cost and strategic benefits of doing so whilst focusing on their own strengths.

The modal shift from air to ocean was another trend highlighted at the conference, with more companies altering their stock and inventory management to accommodate the longer supply chains involved with sea freight. Technology was abundant and the continuing development of cloud based temperature monitoring systems demonstrated how the data can be utilised for continual improvements.

ASC Amy Shortman Henry Moran Conference Supply Chain Security

ASC’s Henry Moran and Amy Shortman jointly presented on Key Considerations for Supply Chain Security for Temperature Sensitive Medicinal Products, API’s and Excipients.  Their message was that whilst adhering to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is imperative, there should be equal importance placed upon the Falsified Medicines Directive. This helps ensure that counterfeit materials don’t enter the legal supply chain, that products are not tampered with, and that supply chains protect products from theft for sale on the black market.

Henry Moran, COO stated “The sharing of case studies and best practice was exemplary and it is testament to the industry as a whole and IQPC specifically that an educational approach was taken in development of the two days”.

For a more in depth report please read the official IQPC report.

16th Annual Temperature Controlled Logistics Conference

IQPC Temperature Controlled Logistics Conference 2017

We are delighted to announce that ASC Associates will not only be speaking at the 16th Annual Temperature Controlled Logistics Conference in 2017, our CEO Amy Shortman will also be chairing the conference. Amy is honoured to have been asked to chair the event, which is being organised by the International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC), and will run from 30th January to the 2nd February at ExCel in London.

The conference, now in its 16th year, brings together expert speakers and the latest innovations in the pharmaceutical supply chain, to provide excellent opportunities to expand your knowledge and network with others within the industry.

According to the conference’s website, delegates can look forward to:

  • 60 expert speakers
  • 40 ground breaking sessions
  • 6 streams that allow you to personalise your agenda
  • 60 exhibitors, and
  • 24 hours of networking,

As well as chairing the conference, our CEO Amy Shortman will be joined by our COO, Henry Moran, to lead a session on the first day entitled “An Approach to Global Supply Chain Security in the Pharmaceutical Industry“. Supply Chain Security is something that we at ASC are hugely passionate about, and we cannot wait to share our knowledge and expertise in this area at the event.

Amy and Henry hope to meet with as many people as possible throughout the event. If you have been considering attending a conference next year, do check out the website for more details. And if you do decide to attend, please feel free to use the discount code below. We hope to see you there.

Amy Shortman ASC Temperature Controlled Logistics Summit 2017

FlyPharma Conference 2016, Brussels

Henry Moran, our Chief Operating Officer, spoke at the FlyPharma Conference in June. Here he shares his experience of the conference and explains why networking is such an important part of what we do.

I’m just back after a quick trip over to Brussels to present at the recent FlyPharma conference, where I gave a presentation on Supply Chain Security in the Life Science sector.

I really believe that the Life Science sector is very focused on Temperature Management within the supply chain, but to be honest security is as important, if not more.

FlyPharma is a relatively new conference forum and ASC have had the pleasure and honour of presenting at both the 2015 and now 2016 events. The conference brings together experts from the air freight industry, so it is really good to see airlines, ground handlers and freight forwarders all in the same environment, openly discussing and debating Life Science logistics.

However, it would be really great to get some more representation from the Pharma manufacturers community, so they can see how the logistics industry is embracing the challenge.

What I really like about FlyPharma is the fact that it is focused – i.e. it’s not too big. There is plenty of opportunity to network, meet old friends and colleagues, and make new ones. It’s great to hear that the plans are afoot for the 2017 conference already – perhaps we’ll see you there!

Here at ASC we believe that networking within the sector is really valuable to the work we do – it enables us to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and be at the forefront of any changes made. Alongside attending conferences we also regularly share information and news stories on our LinkedIn Pages – why not connect with us over there?

Follow Henry Moran on LinkedIn
Follow Amy Shortman on LinkedIn

SMI Clinical Trials Conference 2016

 

Amy Shortman, our Chief Executive Officer, spoke at the Clinical Trials Logistics Conference in May. Here she describes how the conference went, and the benefit of attending such a conference for both ASC Associates and other companies working in this sector.

On a rainy day in Kensington, London, SMI held its 10th Clinical Trials Logistics Conference. It was chaired by Rebecca Jackson, the IVR/IWR Manager for Randomisation & Trials Supply Services at Janssen. Jackson delivered an enigmatic and thought provoking opening presentation explaining how personal experiences of loved one suffering with disease fuelled her passions for research and development of new products.

The day’s agenda was broad, ranging from presentations on Temperature Excursion Management to RTSM or AI; Human versus Machine? However many of the speakers continued the theme set by Jackson’s opening presentation, explaining how their passion for this industry has been sparked by the genuine desire to improve patients’ lives, as one day it could be our family or friend in need of a treatment.

I spoke on ‘Understanding the Impact of the EU GDP Guidelines’. My focus was to explore the impact the MHRA Guidelines for the Short-term Storage of Ambient and Refrigerated products – requirements for a Wholesale Dealers Authorisation (WDA) – had on key stakeholders such as the shipper, 3PL and airline. I presented three case studies using Mundipharma as my shipper, Nippon Express Ltd a 3PL and Virgin Atlantic Cargo, airline.

The results were interesting, as the shippers welcome the changes, which result in its supply chain partners being self-regulated and approved via the licence directly from the MHRA. Although this will never replace due diligence or auditing, it will reduce the level of detail to which the shipper has historically had to audit. For the 3PL and airline, who have been moving pharmaceutical and cool-chain products for years, the WDA will bring formalisation of their processes and proof to their customers of their high quality standards. My message was to embrace these changes as they benefit products and their efficacy, because at the end of the day having medicines that are safe and effective is paramount.

My highlight of the conference was the presentation Terry Madigan, GDP Inspector for MHRA gave. He reaffirmed the MHRA’s stance on the WDA and confirmed that those who are storing refrigerated medicines for human use for any length of time, and CRT (Control Room Temperature or Ambient) for longer than 36hrs, require a WDA. This includes all Logistics providers, Ground Handling Agents and Airlines.

There is still a lot of work to do in the industry, as it is clear from some conversations that there is still uncertainty that the WDA is required by some companies. Maybe it’s denial, but the reality is that compliance is strategically important for any company wishing to work in the distribution of Medicinal Products for human use. Acting sooner rather than later can only be of benefit to your company.

If you are unsure of how this affects your company and would like some training, please contact us.

PCSC Conference, Boston

Just heading back from Boston after a fascinating week at the PCSC (Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition) educational conference.

The PCSC is an organisation based in the US which comprises of pharmaceutical professionals, law enforcement and government entities, cargo insurers, carriers and risk management advocates. So basically it covers every aspect of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain. Its key goal is preventing theft of pharmaceuticals product whilst in transit.

To be honest, this was one of the best conferences I have ever attended (and I attend a few!). A group of passionate speakers gave their own individual insights into the respective worlds. Presentations ranged from issues within the US domestics Supply Chain to challenges in South America, topped off with Global Corporate Compliance.

But most of all it was so refreshing to see that each presenter was fearless in allowing the audience into their respective challenges. We need to see more of this! Intelligently hosted and facilitated by the PCSC chairman, Chuck Forsaith.

Very much looking forward to next year, and a possible speaking spot!

ASC Oct 2015

Cluster 4 Logistics Luxembourg 21st Oct 2015

On the 21st October ASC visited the beautiful city of Luxembourg. We were fortunate enough to be taken on a tour of the airports GDP Compliant cargo facility which was given by Frank Borkam from Luxair. I was incredibly impressed with the TAPA approved facilities and their temperature control capabilities.

The Autumn event was focusing on compliance and security, with industry speakers ranging from packaging innovators, insurance experts and supply chain experts from the logistics industry.

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Photos by www.delano.lu