Torben Vogt, pharma director at Videojet Technologies, talks to EPM about implementing coding and marking systems for serialisation.
Q: How do you at Videojet view the regulatory challenge for the industry and how does Videojet support its clients in this endeavour?A: Having clients in more than 130 countries around the world, we are approached by pharmaceutical clients on a daily basis, that look to us for guidance on how to address the complexity of coding regulations in their markets and for information on the capabilities of the latest technologies in coding solutions. In our Pharma and Medical practise we have people with many years of industry experience that can advise and guide our clients in this respect. This also covers key partnerships in the areas of vision, T&T integration and consulting, that we can bring into the picture to help customers understand the full picture and challenge of implementing serialisation.Q: How much planning is involved before Videojet starts work on-site?A: A significant amount of planning is required to ensure that the client implements the right solution. First we spend time in understanding our client’s requirements in depth. This includes a variety of areas, both technical and business related. This enables us to help the client specify in detail to the machine manufacturer, the OEM, what coding solution is needed to integrate into the serialisation unit. When we sell our printers they are often shipped and installed at the machine manufacturer, so the installation is undertaken by the OEM. In terms of planning, from our perspective there is the time element of course – to ensure the systems are delivered on time to the machine manufacturer in order for them to keep to their schedules. Secondly, there is always the consideration in the pharma industry that installation of new systems and equipment will require a lot of testing, validation and qualification. That needs to be factored into the planning process from the outset.