Reverse logistic process control measures for the pharmaceutical industry supply chain

Sameer Kumar, Erin Dieveney and Aaron Dieveney

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 2009, vol. 58, issue 2, 188-204

Abstract: Purpose - The aim of this paper is to analyze the pharmaceutical supply chain using the DMAIC process for improvement of the reverse logistics in a recall to avert the possibility of harm to a consumer. Design/methodology/approach - A framework is used for guiding one towards the responsibilities of the different organizations concerning reverse logistics. This is further developed into a Cause and Effect analysis, performed on the supply chain and the hypothesized problem areas. Improvement concepts were then considered in the use of RFID, consistent information systems and transportation carriers to streamline the supply chain and reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs entering the forward supply chain. FMEA is used to understand the failure modes and the severity of the respective failures in the reverse logistics supply chain. Findings - The study yielded interesting and innovative solutions being tested and conceived at the present time, but specific information on the pharmaceutical supply chain was limited. The majority of the reverse logistics for pharmaceuticals is handled through third‐party providers, and therefore this specific knowledge is well guarded, being a core competency. Practical implications - The improvement concepts were found to have managerial impacts such as improved communication flow, and dedicated group(s) to focus on the reverse logistics to remove miscommunication and perception errors. The ability to make improvements, as well as sustain the improvements, will also require significant and consistent management support. Originality/value - The study is a first look at the forward and reverse logistics processes for the pharmaceutical industry supply chain and analysis of potential improvements utilizing DMAIC process. It helps in understanding gaps, suggests measures to reduce them and provides direction for improvements related to the quality of service existing between logistics users, logistics service provider, pharmaceutical firm and customers. The methods of analysis used can also be utilized as a diagnostic tool to understand the weaknesses in the existing supply chain and thus help in identifying the key areas for improvements within the organization.

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals industry; Supply chain management; Risk management; Cause and effect analysis; Product safety; Product recall (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.110 ... d&utm_campaign=repec (text/html)
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.110 ... d&utm_campaign=repec (application/pdf)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijppmp:v:58:y:2009:i:2:p:188-204

DOI: 10.1108/17410400910928761

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management is currently edited by Dr Luisa Huatuco and Dr Nicky Shaw

More articles in International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management from Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Emerald Support ().