Pharma logistics professionals who succeed in transforming their supply chain will have a major impact on their organisation’s success and those who innovate best will position themselves to transform logistics from a cost centre to a true source of competitive advantage, is one of the main conclusions of a new book by Schiphol Cargo.

The eBook, Vision Pharma Logistics 2020: Insights and practical advice, published by the dedicated cargo department of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and features interviews with seven experts in the pharma and pharma logistics sectors.

Recognising the fast-changing conditions and regulations affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers when shipping their product globally, the eBook sets out to open pharma logistics managers’ eyes to the opportunities, warn them about the potential pitfalls of international transportation, and provide expert advice on engineering their supply chains up to 2020, Schiphol said.

Schiphol Cargo has a history of proactive support for the pharma sector: It launched a unique Pharma and Life science Logistics Steering Group in 2012, which brought representatives of pharma manufacturers together with its own logistics community, government and regulatory bodies for the sharing of problems and solutions. It has also held pharma sector roadshows in India and the US and has organised pharma shipper forums at international logistics conferences.

Schiphol is an important European gateway for pharma traffic, which is significant both in volume and value. The airport community possesses sophisticated pharma handling and forwarding facilities. The airport facilitates safe and efficient pharma transportation via airfreight, by uniquely making direct airside access available to forwarders. Several forwarders’ facilities are GDP-accredited.

Says Schiphol Cargo’s business development director and pharma logistics expert, Bart Pouwels: “Today’s pharma logistics professionals face a market in the midst of major change and innovation. Pharma supply chains have grown highly complex due to multiple factors, including market expansion on both the supply and demand sides, and more stringent product quality requirements.”

Vision Pharma Logistics 2020: Insights and practical advice is free, and can be downloaded here.