Zebra adds new environmental sensors for pharma supply chain

23-Mar-2023 - Last updated on 23-Mar-2023 at 15:21 GMT

The company launches its new ZS300 sensor, ZB200 bridge and Android sensor discovery app, which will be made available for use with the supply chains of the pharma and food industries.

Zebra Technologies announced that it would launch a new line of environmental sensors, which provide the ability to monitor temperature and to detect moisture. The technology will be applicable to the supply chains of the pharma and healthcare industries, as well as the food industry.

Customers of the sensors will be able to monitor environmental factors through cloud-based visibility, as well as having data logging capabilities. According to the company, the secure cloud platform used allows for easy integration of temperature logging into a variety of applications and systems of record.

In addition, the sensors used are available in multipacks and use minimal, biodegradable packaging and Zebra offers a no-cost recycling program to reduce the environmental impact, it stated.

“We’re excited to expand our sensor technology to address the need for cost-effective supply chain visibility and data insights. The ZS300 electronic sensor extends our robust portfolio, including visual and printable indicators, providing customers the ability to drive smarter business decisions, reduce waste and increase efficiency,” said Tony Cecchin, general manager, supplies and sensors, Zebra.

As part of the announcement, Zebra stated that it had partnered with Ivanti Wavelink, an independent software vendor, to develop a software solution for the ZS300/ZB200 electronic sensors to provide temperature insights with location data. Ivanti’s platform support would enable the integration of environmental sensing into enterprise systems, the companies stated.

Acting on research

Zebra recently conducted research into the state of the pharmaceutical supply chain, which found that only 40% of decision-makers in the industry trusted entities within the supply chain to keep medications safe and uncompromised.

In further statistics, the research found that 92% of decision-makers were planning to increase investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain monitoring.

According to the respondents, the number one issue facing the supply chain was actually due to regulatory delays. This included action such as facility inspections, longer approval timelines, and increased quarantines.

In terms of the factor most relevant to Zebra, the third most significant issue was problems related to the distribution and storage of pharmaceuticals.

When identifying the specific tools that could help to secure the supply chain, the respondents identified temperature-sensitive labels and item/batch level monitors as the most important tools. Following this, location technology and temperature monitors and sensors were the second and third most important factors.