Are "cold chains" only cold?

The stereotype is that we only talk about 2-8 degrees C at the Cold Chain Distribution for Pharmaceuticals Global Forum. More and more each year, companies are focusing on overall transportation strategies as a part of their global logistics. Most drugs are temperature controlled in some way - whether it's 2-8, 8-15, CRT, ambient, ultra-cold or some other temperature profile. And if the product isn't temperature controlled, it's still important to understand trends in supply chain management.

The major challenges for a cold chain hold true for all distribution operations:

• Transportation and import/export security
• Devising contingency plans with transportation partners
• Quality management of air freight
• New RFID technology offering visibility through all legs of the chain
• Green packaging initiatives to reduce footprint

Many people have speculations about the future of temperature controlled supply chains. One recent report by Pharmaceutical Commerce estimates that "7 of the top 10 global pharma products in 2014 will require cold-chain handling." So cold processes are becoming an integral part of any operations. But, there are still many practices and learnings that we can share across temperature profiles.

If you want more information about cold, ambient, CRT or other temperature profiles, check us out at www.coldchainpharma.com.

Air Cargo 201 - Part 2 of an "Interview with an Airline"

One of last year's highest rated sessions at the Cold Chain Distribution for Pharmaceuticals was the "Interview with an Airline" panel discussion. The discussion gave airlines a voice on how they are handling temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals and the manufacturers had a clear understanding of what best practices airlines adhered to.

With IATA Chapter 17 deadline just passed (in July) and TSA Cargo Screening deadline quicly approching (August), there are still many questions on how much the supply chain has really progressed. Have these regulations made an impact on operating a complex cold chain in the air? And what about on the tarmac? Is it really reasonable to expect agents to adhere to these new guidelines? How do manufacturers have to adjust their procedures to comply?

This year at the Cold Chain Distribution for Pharmaceuticals, we'll host Part 2 of the Interview with an Airline during the AIR CARGO 201 seminar. A new panel will address the above questions with specific examples from different parts of the world (ex India, Doha, Chicago, Dublin, London and Japan). Participating organizations include: IATA Time & Temperature Task Force, Exelsius Cold Chain Management Consultancy, United Cargo, American Airlines Cargo, Continental Airlines Cargo, Genzyme and the Air Forwarders Association.

Here's some background on our panelists and what they'll be bringing to this year's discussion:

Mark Mohr of Continental Airlines Cargo brings experience on balancing supply/demand for key customers and shipping temperature control cargo daily to Israel and India, relaying overcoming certain infrastructure developments at airports and at freight forwarder warehouses.

Roger Samways of American Airlines Cargo will talk about shipping to Latin America and the importance of front-end planning and communications among supply-chain partners for successful outcomes.

Don Harrison of United Cargo and member of IATA's Time & Temperature Task Force brings first-hand knowledge on what goes into re-writing Chapter 17 of the Perishable Cargo Regulations.

Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Air Forwarders Association will provide the freight forwarder perspective of filling gaps in effective shipping of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals by air. His view includes how to effectively select a forwarder suited to your needs in shipping temperature controlled consignments while dealing with government requirements including air cargo screening on passenger aircraft.

Larry Sweeney, Senior Director, Distribution and Logistics, Genzyme will give a perspective on what's important to the pharmaceutical manufacturer to see airlines changing and improving post IATA Chapter 17 implementation.

If you'd like to submit questions to this panel, be sure to email them to us and we'll make sure they are answered at the event!