How Vision-Powered Barcode Scanning Simplifies DSCSA Compliance
The pharmaceutical industry is entering the final phase of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), with the FDA’s November 2024 deadline looming. The DSCSA mandates full implementation of a secure, electronic, and interoperable system for tracking and tracing prescription drugs across the U.S. supply chain. This law, enacted in 2013, aims to prevent counterfeit, adulterated, or diverted drugs from entering the supply chain, ensuring safety for patients and transparency for trading partners (NABP, Antares Vision Group).
As we approach the final phase, companies must be ready to capture and manage product data at the package level while exchanging this information electronically with all trading partners. However, achieving DSCSA compliance requires advanced solutions that go beyond traditional barcode scanning methods. This is where vision-powered barcode scanning powered by AI offers an efficient and scalable solution to meet these regulatory demands.
Why Vision-Powered Technology?
Vision-powered barcode scanning is a cutting-edge technology that leverages AI-driven systems and advanced cameras to automate the process of scanning and verifying barcodes, product labels, and packaging. This method ensures higher accuracy and compliance compared to traditional laser scanners, which often struggle with damaged or poorly printed labels.
One of the key advantages of vision-powered scanning is its ability to automatically identify and capture data across the supply chain, even in high-volume environments. The technology uses machine vision sensors to scan and inspect billions of pharmaceutical products annually, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of tracking data (Automation Distribution).
Enhanced Accuracy and Compliance
The DSCSA’s requirement for an interoperable system makes accurate data capture critical. Vision-powered scanning enables pharma companies to achieve a high degree of accuracy in tracking serialized products, from pallets down to individual packages. This technology provides subsecond response times for product verification, allowing organizations to confirm the legitimacy of incoming products almost instantly (PharmaCommerce).
Moreover, the AI-enabled vision systems are equipped to handle exceptions such as damaged goods, mislabeled products, and package inconsistencies, streamlining the process of identifying issues in real-time without manual intervention (Automation Distribution).
Increasing Adoption and Proven Benefits
AI-enabled vision systems are gaining traction in warehouse operations across the pharmaceutical industry. According to Gartner, 20% of supply chain companies had already adopted AI-enabled vision systems by the end of 2023, with 50% of companies expected to leverage these systems by 2027 (Industry Intelligence). These systems are replacing traditional scanning methods and improving processes like cycle counting and inventory management, offering enhanced safety monitoring as an additional benefit (Industry Intelligence).
Vision-powered technology is also expected to reduce operational costs. By automating exceptions management and improving tracking accuracy, companies can save time and reduce the labor costs associated with manual inventory checks(Antares Vision Group).
Meeting the DSCSA Deadline
The FDA recently announced a 12-month stabilization period for DSCSA requirements, ending in November 2024, giving companies additional time to fully implement compliant systems (PharmaCommerce). However, the FDA has strongly urged companies not to delay, as non-compliance can lead to supply chain disruptions and hefty fines (PharmaCommerce).
With vision-powered barcode scanning, pharmaceutical companies can confidently meet DSCSA requirements while improving the overall efficiency of their supply chains. This technology not only facilitates compliance but also provides a long-term solution for inventory management, data accuracy, and regulatory adherence.
Conclusion
As the DSCSA compliance deadline approaches, the pressure is on for pharmaceutical companies to adopt advanced solutions that can ensure regulatory adherence while improving operational efficiency. Vision-powered barcode scanning provides a reliable, scalable, and automated approach to meeting these demands.
QicVision’s AI-driven vision technology enables pharmaceutical companies to streamline compliance, manage exceptions, and ensure the integrity of their products across the supply chain. By leveraging cutting-edge machine vision technology, companies can stay ahead of regulatory requirements and prepare for the future of pharmaceutical distribution.
Get ready for DSCSA compliance today—contact QicVision for a demo and see how our vision-powered barcode scanning solutions can transform your operations.
Sources:
Gartner. (2023). 50% of Companies to Leverage AI-Enabled Vision Systems by 2027. Retrieved from Gartner(Industry Intelligence).
Pharmaceutical Commerce. (2023). FDA Offers 12-Month DSCSA Stabilization Period, but Urges Industry Not to Delay. Retrieved from Pharmaceutical Commerce(PharmaCommerce).
Automation Distribution. (2023). Using Machine Vision to Meet New Pharma Compliance Rules. Retrieved from Automation Distribution(Automation Distribution).
Antares Vision Group. (2023). DSCSA Compliance Solution: Identity Verification. Retrieved from Antares Vision Group(Antares Vision Group).
