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Digital twin for primary packaging

In a joint project, Gerresheimer and Merck have developed a digital twin technology for primary packaging.

In a joint project, Gerresheimer and Merck have developed a digital twin technology for primary packaging. The primary packaging is linked to the digital twin in the proof of concept (PoC) using a customised ID.

Gerresheimer AG and Merck, Darmstadt, have jointly developed a solution for the use of so-called „digital twin“ to ensure the traceability and reliability of data at critical points along the pharmaceutical supply chain. even further optimised. The aim of the PoC is to fundamentally change the pharmaceutical supply chain with the help of digital twins for primary packaging. Through a single network, those involved in the process benefit from full traceability and digital reliability, which can lead to cost savings, quality improvements and even new business models thanks to process automation.

„At Merck, we develop digital innovations that enable companies to capitalise on the compelling benefits of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and create reliable digital twins. We are proud to support the Gerresheimer team as a digital sparring partner with our patented digital technologies.“

Thomas Endress, Executive Director EMD Digital at Merck

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With the jointly developed solution, Gerresheimer's physical primary packaging is provided with a secure „key“ that establishes the connection to the corresponding digital twin. During its „journey“ through the supply chain - from production through to the patient The primary packaging, such as syringes or ampoules, connect and collect important data that is linked to their unique identifier. become. They thus become a valuable source of information that contains data from different digital ecosystems and enables more efficient collaboration between different organisations within the supply network.

The new solution, which is used in Gerresheimer's products, utilises a Blockchain-based platform and multi-patented authentication technologies from Merck, to securely anchor physical objects in the digital world. In combination with the standards of Industry 4.0, this is a highly stable and reliable solution. As a science and technology company with various divisions, Merck also develops pioneering digital customer solutions that can be used in a wide range of industries.

More data for quality analysis

The joint PoC project between Gerresheimer and Merck comprises Syringes with a secure and unique identifier, a smartphone app and access to the functions of the digital twin via Merck's digital platform. The smartphone app is accessible to authorised stakeholders such as brand owners (marketing authorisation holders) and quality assurance officers at the manufacturer. After authenticating the syringe and scanning the unique identifier, authorised persons can access the stored quality and root cause analysis data as well as processing functions for customer complaints.

As numerous experts contribute to the overall success of pharmaceutical supply chains, the two companies want to involve additional process participants in order to develop additional seamless multi-party solutions that realise the full potential and reduce the cost of the process. Traceability from production to the point of care can be completely covered. As soon as other parties such as contract manufacturers, logistics service providers and supervisory authorities also introduce this solution, the possible uses of the automated business logic can be extended, for example to M2M applications that enable the automated creation of certificates and their exchange between different organisations.

Source: Gerresheimer AG

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