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Distributed in the May 18, 2010 edition of the Distribution Digest
More than 50 supply chain professionals — including distributors, manufacturers, service providers, security and regulatory experts — gathered in Alexandria, Va. last week for the Center’s Supply Chain Security seminar. The seminar was a venue for trading partners to discuss best practices and learn about tactics to ensure the security of the supply chain.
Karen Ribler, the Center’s Executive Vice President and COO, kicked off the event by indicating that “One pharmaceutical theft is one too many.” Ribler explained the program’s development and shared highlights from the Center's 2009 In-Transit Study.
Chuck Forsaith of Purdue Pharma Technologies, Inc., provided a “state of the union” on security within the industry. He shared case studies of recent criminal activity and noted the high stakes: pharmaceuticals make up only 5 percent of losses compared to other industries, but the loss value far exceeds other categories of theft. He noted that more than dollars are at risk and high-profile thefts undermine the public trust in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Forsaith noted how the industry is proactively taking on these challenges. Companies have banded together in an information-sharing effort recently named the Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition (PCSC), which Forsaith administers. The PCSC alerts industry and its law enforcement network of threats and incidents for rapid emergency response and better preparedness.
Seminar attendees participate in a role-playing exercise centered around a simulated cargo theft. |
A highlight of the second day was an interactive role-playing exercise centered around a simulated pharmaceutical cargo theft from a truck stop — with conversations played out between the driver, trucking company dispatch, law enforcement, pharmaceutical corporate security and logistics management. Attendees shared their experiences, exchanges tactics and reviewed a checklist of informational considerations to include in theft investigations as well as a list of "gold standards" of a carrier's transportation and shipment practices.
At the seminar’s concluding general session, Ann Metayer, Regulatory Counsel at FDA’s CDER Office of Compliance, addressed agency initiatives to reduce the public health risks associated with reintroduction of stolen product into the legitimate supply chain. Metayer outlined FDA’s recommended approach to pharmaceutical theft, including prevention measures such as a layered security program, reporting thefts to the local FDA offices and efforts to aggressively pursue criminals. She also noted that “if a product is harder to ‘fence’ there is less incentive
to steal.”
Leonard Levin, Staff Coordinator at the DEA Office of Diversion Control, updated attendees on current Agency policies, discussed trends and made security recommendations. Levin outlined the locations, businesses and types of DEA-regulated drugs that are often targeted, and shared information about common theft and diversion techniques. Levin echoed Ms. Metayer’s sentiment that “layers of security” are important for deterring theft.
Throughout each day attendees had a chance to participate in smaller breakout sessions on a variety of security topics ranging from strengthening your relationship with your insurance company to integrating a company-wide deterrence program, short-haul best practices and more. Attendees also had the opportunity to view products and solutions from security vendors — including CargoNet, FreightWatch, ODIN Technologies and New Momentum — during the program’s Table-Top Exhibits.
The Center gratefully acknowledges CargoNet for its support of the Supply Chain Security seminar.
For more information, visit the Center’s website.
HDMA is hosting a wide variety of educational seminars in 2010 for professionals at every level in your organization. Visit www.HealthcareDistribution.org/seminars.asp for the latest
seminar updates.
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