Supply Chain Management in Pharmaceutical Industry by Pearson

CHAPTER 17

Primary Distribution

17.1 DEFINITION

Pharmaceutical warehousing or warehouse management is ‘the physical movement of stock into, and out of a pharmaceutical warehouse.’ Warehousing is a key element of pharmaceutical supply chain management. It ensures the constant availability and flow of essential quality health products, in appropriate quantities, in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Key warehousing functions include receiving and storing stock, inventory management and distribution management.

The goal of primary distribution management is to maintain a steady supply of medicines where they are needed, while ensuring that resources are being used most effectively. Distribution costs which include cost related to storage and transportation ...