By Angela Murray, Senior Director, Product Marketing:
As the November 27, 2024, deadline for full DSCSA compliance looms, the pharmacy industry finds itself in a critical phase of preparation. The recent NACDS Total Store Expo (TSE) in Boston revealed that many pharmacies are facing significant challenges, with the clock ticking down rapidly.
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the transmission of incomplete or inaccurate EPCIS data from upstream trading partners. These data gaps have left some pharmacies scrambling to seek last-minute waivers from the FDA while trying to rectify these late-stage compliance hurdles. Despite ongoing efforts, many organizations report that they are only 70-75% complete in their stabilization efforts, leaving a substantial amount of work to be done in under 100 days.
The situation is further complicated by operational challenges such as torn labels and mismatched delivery numbers, which disrupt the scanning process of both cases and individual saleable units. Centralized warehouses have been a partial solution, but they are not a panacea. Many pharmacies still struggle with the inconsistencies in supplier data transmission, leading to necessary products being returned — a non-negotiable outcome for many in the industry.
The financial implications of DSCSA compliance cannot be ignored. Beyond the direct costs, the time spent on ensuring compliance translates into lost opportunities for revenue generation. The discussions at NACDS TSE underscored the urgency for pharmacies to assess their readiness rigorously.
If your pharmacy’s DSCSA compliance efforts are not fully on track, now is the time to act. Inmar’s expertise in supply chain management is at your disposal to help navigate these complex challenges and ensure that your operations are compliant and secure. The window for action is closing — don’t delay. Reach out to Inmar today and take the necessary steps to secure your pharmacy’s future.