PCI Pharma Services has announced a significant expansion of its serialisation capability at its Hay-on-Wye site (PCI Pharma Services, 2017).

The suite installation increases the site’s serialisation capability to support PCI’s clients in advance of meeting the implementation dates of the European Falsified Medicines Directive (EU FMD).

The highly flexible technology delivers machine and human-readable coding, tamper evident solutions and Bollini labelling, which in turn is linked to a case loading and aggregation station, with a final aggregation station compacting cases to pallet. PCI is a strong supporter of the advanced use of aggregation to realise the significant benefits in packaging operations, as well as the broader pharmaceutical supply chain.

PCI custom developed and engineered the enhanced serialisation solution to maximise flexibility and ease of use for a variety of client package styles and applications. The suite includes strategically located multi-position laser and thermal inkjet coding heads, with associated inspection cameras to deliver ultimate flexibility in configuration, location and type of coding. This includes multi-position tamper evident labelling heads to support a full service solution to satisfy the requirements of the EU FMD. The system is able to effectively manage a broad range of sizes and package styles, with significant high-speed application.

This investment in PCI’s Hay facility is the first phase of a multi-stage installation of expanded serialisation capacity at the site, complimenting a significant global initiative from PCI in developing its overall serialisation offering. In February 2017, PCI announced an investment that will triple its serialisation capacity across its global network in preparation for the pending DCSCA deadline in November this year.

PCI has been actively serialising commercial products for the US, European and international markets for the past five years, and this investment in the Hay-on-Wye capabilities continues to demonstrate PCI’s market-leading position. The company-wide software strategy enables operators in all PCI’s global locations to operate the same graphical user interface, providing a seamless global service.

PCI has partnered with Antares Vision, Crest Solutions and Xyntek for this latest installation, utilising Antares’ leading serialisation platform and technology architecture. This installation supports a variety of drug delivery forms, including bottles, unit cartons and parenteral kits, as well as unit dose wallets and child resistant/compliance prompting packaging.

Commenting on the latest investment, Colin White, PCI Managing Director, Hay-on-Wye, said “This is an important addition to the site’s capabilities. Patient safety and maintaining supply chain integrity is of critical importance. Our expertise based on real-life experience, combined with such significant strategic investment, delivers a truly industry-leading solution for our customers. Being able to offer this fully flexible service and work in partnership with our customers to deliver a trusted, seamless service is critical, and being ahead of the timelines with this offering ensures compliance with the EU FMD.”