The Ingredients of Anti-Counterfeiting Pharma Packages – A Survey Study Based on the Kano Methodology

Paper in proceeding, 2014

Purpose: the purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate critical features of anti-counterfeiting pharmaceutical packages. Research Approach: the research approach is based on a literature review and a survey study based on the Kano methodology. Findings and Originality: critical features for anti-counterfeiting pharmaceutical packages are identified and classified in security and performance based. Only two security features related to manipulation/tamper evidence and traceability are scored as must-be requirements. The majority of performance related features are instead considered as attractive. Hence, existing products may lack these functionalities and if included in new packages, customers might be surprised or delighted. Research Impact: the study contributes with a list of criteria to be considered to evaluate pharmaceutical packages in terms of anti-counterfeiting security and logistics related performance. Practical Impact: developers, users and public agencies are provided with insights about how different features related to security and logistics performance are perceived by potential users.