Innovative logistics solutions for specialty medications
By AmerisourceBergen
Gohar Alam, Senior Director of 3PL and Specialty Logistics at Innomar Strategies, discusses the need for pharma companies entering the Canadian market to work with a provider who understands the nuances of logistics for specialty medications.
Q: How would you describe Innomar’s capabilities and services from a 3PL perspective?
Gohar Alam: Innomar Strategies is strongly positioned in the Canadian market to provide integrated capabilities for personalized solutions. We balance innovation with excellence to enhance our customers’ experiences. Our third-party logistics (3PL) offering is at the heart of this model that aims to connect the journey of the drug / medical device / Natural Health Product (NHP) from commercialization to final delivery. Our teams have the expertise to launch new clients with limited exposure to the Canadian logistics landscape.
Q: Can you speak about Innomar’s experience and expertise within 3PL for specialty medication, devices, etc.?
Gohar Alam: Innomar has been providing 3PL services since 2009. Over the course of time, we have expanded our service offerings to include specialty medications and NHP, as well as medical devices. We support our clients by acting as an Importer of Record, providing a smooth approach to the overall product management program. This option eliminates the client’s need to manage products through another 3PL; they save administration costs, redundant handling expenses, and transportation costs. We're equipped to store and handle complex, specialty products with our temperature-controlled, mapped and validated facility.
Q: Can you describe how Innomar scales and customizes services to meet client needs based on strategic business and patient objectives?
Gohar Alam: We have one of the most efficient integrated models to complement our suite of services from a scalability or customization standpoint. Apart from the traditional fee-for-service 3PL offering, we can proposition a title model for specialty wholesale drug distribution. Unlike competitors, we offer full transparency of the rates and ongoing efficiencies, allowing manufacturers to know their costs and in turn, build upon our trusted collaborative partnership.
Our clients also have the option to utilize our Patient Support Programs (PSPs), specialty pharmacies and clinics across Canada. This extension of support aims to provide a smoother process for patients to access their medications. Innomar team members’ extensive training on specialty medications and the Canadian market access landscape allow them to help patients navigate the complex healthcare landscape.
Q: Can you touch on technology solutions that support clients for greater visibility and operational excellence?
Gohar Alam: As your collaborative partner, we design a logistics strategy customized to your current and future portfolio, with an uncompromising commitment to safe storage, handling and shipment. We embed technology solutions into our framework. Operational efficiency, quality oversight, and cost-effective methodology ensure a client-centric approach to program management.
Innomar’s warehouse management system tracks all products by lot number and expiry date within its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. An advanced barcode system that allows for rapid, error-free picking manages inventory in real-time.
Additionally, clients can leverage an array of reporting solutions to see:
- Real-time/in-process data, 24/7 via our web portal
- Standard reports for inventory control, distribution, order management, and financial management
- Real time Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)– 800 and 900 series of integration offerings
If required, we can implement client-specific protocols to ensure all procedures are aligned to their expectations and requirements.
The contents of this piece contain marketing statements and do not include business or legal advice.