Advanced logistics capabilities
Alfresa's goal: "Safe and secure pharmaceutical logistics"
We have established the latest functions to realize a management system that complies with GDP guidelines and a nationwide network to deliver pharmaceuticals and other products safely, securely, and of high quality.
Management system that complies with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines for pharmaceuticals
Improved functionality using the latest technology
Alfresa's distribution centers are equipped with the latest features to ensure the safe, secure, and reliable supply of pharmaceuticals, including stringent temperature control and a management system that complies with GDP guidelines.
Pharmaceuticals are subject to strict temperature control throughout the distribution process, from manufacturing to patient delivery. For example, some medications require ultra-low temperature storage, ranging from -90℃ to -60℃, while some other medications need to be stored and delivered within a limited temperature range of 2℃ to 5℃. Alfresa complies with the GDP guidelines, which are operational standards for pharmaceutical distribution. In addition to strict temperature control, we also work on security management such as hygiene management and prevention of counterfeit drugs.
Equipment currently being introduced at distribution centers
Nationwide logistics network
Delivering safe, secure and high-quality products
At Alfresa, we have established a nationwide network that ensures the safe, secure, and high-quality delivery of pharmaceuticals and other products to medical care institutions across the country, both in regular and emergency situations. This network is supported by our "distribution centers," which serve as the central hubs within their respective jurisdictions with large-scale back-end functions, and our "pharmaceutical centers," which are strategically located in urban areas for quick response.
Automatic Management of Stocking and Destocking of Specialty Medications
"NOVUMN": Personalized medicine support platform
NOVUMN is a personalized medicine support platform that uses IoT technologies such as RFID to automatically manage the inventory management of specialty medicines.In the distribution process of specialty pharmaceuticals, we link information starting from the administration of medication to individual patients, achieving supply and inventory management across patients, medical care institutions, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- POINT 1. Can be Installed in Existing Refrigerators
- After applying for the service, a smart cage or similar device will be installed in your existing PHC pharmaceutical refrigerator.
- POINT2. Automatic recording of In- and Out-of-Stock Management
- The smart cage reads the RFID tags attached to pharmaceuticals, and records information on when pharmaceuticals are taken in and out of storage, as well as temperature data inside the refrigerator, in real time.
- POINT 3. Order Support
- An alert email can be set to be sent a few days prior to the scheduled administration date, based on the drug administration schedule (customizable at any time) to fully support orders.
- What is "NOVUMN"?
- "NOVUMN" stands for "Next Ordinary Value for Universal Medicine Network", and was named with the aim of creating a pharmaceutical network that provides next-generation universal value by adding new information value to the distribution of pharmaceuticals.
Transportation and distribution in accordance with GDP
Development of transportation and distribution tools for refrigerated goods
At Alfresa, we strictly enforce temperature control that meets PIC/S GDP standards during transportation and delivery. To achieve this, we are also developing tools for transporting and delivering refrigerated goods.
alf-GDP-®Shipper
Used when delivering to customers, it can maintain a temperature of 2-8℃ for more than 8 hours.The aluminum inner wall processing eliminates temperature inconsistencies, and the heat storage sheet prevents temperature deviations.
alf-GDP-®Container
Used when transporting to branch offices, it can maintain a temperature of 2-8°C for more than 12 hours. Equipped with high-performance vacuum insulation material (VIP), it enables long-term, high-precision temperature control.
In-house research and development "Temperature Control Technology Research Institute"
Alfresa is pursuing "advanced temperature-controlled logistics" that maintains optimal temperatures for pharmaceutical products. To this end, the company conducts validation at its Temperature Control Technology Laboratory under a range of ambient temperature conditions.
Realizing efficient delivery
A･L Plus Co., LTD.
This Alfresa group company handles transportation between Alfresa's Distribution Center and various bases, delivery to customers, and work within the Distribution Center warehouse. We have numerous refrigerated vehicles and can provide proper temperature control even when transporting delicate pharmaceuticals.
Development of a navigation system to streamline delivery operations
To ensure efficient delivery of pharmaceuticals, smartphones of SAs (delivery specialists) are equipped with the navigation app "saios," which was jointly developed by Alfresa and Navitime Japan Corporation. Utilizing this app can suggests optimal routes and analyze delivery data, leading to more efficient deliveries.
Specialty Medical Distribution Corporation: A Robust System for the Distribution of Specialty Products
Specialty Medical Distribution Corporation
Specialty products, which are pharmaceutical products produced in small quantities and consumed in small quantities, may require special management during distribution. SMD, an Alfresa group company, responds to such demands by proposing and constructing the most suitable distribution systems for each product. Utilizing its nationwide network and unique advanced temperature control distribution technology, SMD delivers specialty products safely and securely to medical care institutions and patients.
