Interoperability challenges in traceability of pharmaceuticals

Paper in proceeding, 2020

Purpose
As the risk of falsified pharmaceuticals in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains (PSCs) has increased, actors face challenges in implementation of traceability.  The purpose of this paper is to address interoperability challenges to enhance supply chain traceability of prescribed pharmaceuticals. 
Design/methodology/approach
The study followed a systematic combining approach (Dubois and Gadde, 2014). A literature review was conducted to create interoperability framework. A case study of a Swedish PSC of prescribed pharmaceuticals was used to analyze interoperability challenges and enhance traceability.
Findings
This paper fills a gap in the published literature on interoperability to enhance traceability in supply chains and presents an interoperability framework can be used in further studies on traceability.
Research limitations/implications
The research is based on a case study of a Swedish PSC of prescribed pharmaceuticals. Further empirical studies on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and at the international level are required to ensure statistical generalisability.
Practical implications
The framework presented will support PSC actors seeking to enhance traceability of prescribed pharmaceuticals. The presented research complies with the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM) ongoing work to enhance safety and quality of pharmaceuticals.
Original/value
While literature from several academic disciplines presents solutions to traceability in SC, little research has been conducted which address interoperability to enhance product traceability in PCS.