The Future of EPCIS Implementation: Trends, Challenges and the Best Practices

EPCIS, short for Electronic Product Code Information Services, is a game changer for any pharmaceutical company that wants to see more into its supply chain.

Developed by GS1, EPCIS serves as a common standard across businesses. Essentially, the standard simplifies the process of exchanging important information about your product’s journey in the supply chain with your business partners and stakeholders.

You will know where your product is at any given time, its real-time status, and the details regarding the same.

In the next few sections, we shall explore emerging implementation trends, prevalent challenges, and best practices for the successful integration of EPCIS.
 

Tracing the Top 6 EPCIS Trends for Pharmaceutical Wholesalers

The latest version, EPCIS / CBV 2.0, brings some fantastic new features that make it even easier for businesses to work with.

1. Enhanced Sensor Data Support

The new EPCIS update can now handle sensor data. This is great for industries like cold chains as they need to keep a close eye on factors like temperature and humidity.

With this update, businesses can track these conditions in real time. It also helps keep products in good shape and cuts down on losses. 

2. Certification Transparency

EPCIS now supports the inclusion of certification details about products, organizations, and locations. This enhanced capability provides an added layer of trust and compliance. It is also crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing consumer confidence in product authenticity and quality.

3. User-Friendly Data Syntax

With the adoption of JSON and JSON-LD syntax, the latest EPCIS version is more developer-friendly. This makes it easier for developers to integrate EPCIS data within new and existing applications, thus facilitating smoother data handling and real-time processing.

4. REST API Integration

The new REST API features for capturing and querying event data simplify the integration of EPCIS into modern applications. Developers can now harness EPCIS functionalities within a broader range of business systems with greater ease.

5. Online Linked Data Definitions

EPCIS has also introduced linked and browsable online definitions for all event data fields, classes, code lists, and values.

This ensures that stakeholders can easily understand and utilize EPCIS data, creating more interconnected and efficient supply chain networks.
 

6. GS1 Digital Link URI Syntax

The EPCIS update has also introduced GS1 Digital Link URI. This will make it easier and more flexible to identify products using GS1 codes. It can help different companies share and understand data in the same way, making global supply chains run more smoothly.
 

Challenges to Watch Out For

Here are some of the common challenges linked to EPCIS implementation. 
 

• Compatibility Problems
  One major challenge with EPCIS is making sure it works well with different systems and standards. While EPCIS aims to be a universal standard, plugging it into older systems or industry-specific standards takes some work and know-how.
   
• Privacy and Security Issues
  With so much data being collected and shared, it's essential to keep it safe and private. Companies must safeguard sensitive information from hacks and unauthorized access while also following all the laws and rules.
   
• Cost and Complexity
  Implementing EPCIS can be pricey and complicated, especially if you have a small or medium business. It often requires a significant investment in technology, training, and change management. 
   

How to Successfully Implement EPCIS?
 

Here are a few quick tips for implementing EPCIS in an effective manner -

• Assess business needs and objectives,
• Involve all relevant stakeholders.
• Choose an EPCIS-compliant software.
• Ensure integration with existing systems.
• Adopt global standards like GS1.
• Conduct a pilot project and make adjustments.
• Train all users comprehensively.
• Roll out the solution organization-wide.
• Monitor system performance regularly.
• Stay updated on regulations and maintain compliance.

Above everything, remember, EPCIS is not a one-and-done deal. Keep monitoring its performance, gather feedback, and continuously look for ways to improve. 
 

Ready to Tackle EPCIS Challenges? Drugzone Has Your Back!
 

At Drugzone, we realize how crucial EPCIS is for keeping pharmaceutical products safe and sound.

That's why we spare no effort, from using the newest technology, and partnering with top experts, to providing excellent training. With us, you can rest assured knowing your products are being tracked and traced with precision.
 

FAQs

Q.How can EPCIS improve our inventory management?
EPCIS can boost your inventory management by giving real-time end-to-end visibility of the supply chain. This prevents overstocking or running out of stock, thus improving operational efficiency.
 

Q.Is EPCIS only for big corporations or can smaller businesses benefit too?
Smaller businesses can also gain from EPCIS. It improves traceability and efficiency, which is important for businesses of all sizes. EPCIS also helps with regulatory compliance and keeps customers happy with better product information. It enables smaller businesses to compete with larger ones.
 

Q.How can we stay on top of the latest EPCIS trends and best practices?
It is always advisable to attend industry conferences and join relevant forums or subscribe to newsletters from reliable sources. Being a member of organizations like GS1 is helpful too. Follow industry leaders and tech providers on social media and keep an eye out for the insights they share.

Article Author

Binu .B RPH

President

With more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical wholesale sector, I have Founded and managed several companies, including a pharmaceutical wholesale company, a compounding/retail pharmacy,and many more. As the president of Drugzone Pharmaceuticals Inc., I develop new business and maintain existing business relationships.