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The choice between active and passive temperature-controlled packaging is crucial for delivering temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals efficiently. Distribution models vary, and the decision should align with product characteristics, market, and chosen distribution methods.
Active vs. Passive Systems: Active systems offer heating, cooling, or both, using electrical means or refrigeration. They are large, high-cost, and leased, making them suitable for fixed, high-volume routes. Passive systems resemble conventional packaging, relying on insulation and thermal media to resist temperature changes. They are cost-effective, flexible, and require no special handling once sealed.
Choosing Between Active & Passive Systems:
Active Systems:
- Provide high thermal stability.
- Require specific handling and fixed timeframes.
- Are costlier for partial loads.
- Offer benefits like operational qualification and periodic thermal mapping.
Passive Systems:
- Allow shipment size flexibility.
- Comprise payload surrounded by thermal media and insulation.
- Have lower capital costs and are stock-holdable.
- Provide diverse temperature capabilities and are size-versatile.
Using Passive Systems:
- Components need preparation before packing.
- Materials require controlled temperature exposures.
- Preparation may take days or weeks.
- Passive systems offer flexibility for diverse destinations.
Conclusion: While active systems assure high protection levels, their inflexibility limits routing options. Passive systems, with their flexibility, offer diverse routing but require preparation facilities. The choice depends on factors like cost, protection level, power supply, and supply chain flexibility.
Matrix of Advantages and Disadvantages:
| Criteria | Active Systems | Passive Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High initial cost; leased units may reduce costs for customers; efficient for fixed routes | Lower initial cost; stock-holdable units offer economic solutions for diverse destinations |
| Level of Protection Required | High thermal stability; tailored to specific temperature ranges | Reliable thermal protection; performance determined by initial design and preparation |
| Need for Power Supply | Requires constant external power, battery, or fuel; tight restrictions on handling | No power supply needed once sealed; allows for flexible supply chains and diverse carriers |
| Availability for Use | Limited by handling and shipping restrictions; efficient for fixed routes | Versatile; can travel through various carriers and integrators; no special handling required |
| Flexibility of Supply Chain | Restricted flexibility due to handling and shipping constraints | Accommodates re-routing and flexible supply chains; versatile for different quantities and destinations |
| Extremities of External Environment | Suitable for high utilisation on fixed routes with good handling agreements | Thermal performance irrespective of handling or external environment; versatile for various destinations |
| Total Cost of Ownership | May have higher total cost due to handling inefficiencies and initial unit costs | Potential lower total cost due to flexibility, low unit cost, and versatility in diverse shipping scenarios |
In conclusion, the choice between active and passive systems should be based on a total cost of ownership model, considering factors such as flexibility, security of supply, replacement and quality costs, and shipping and thermal solution costs.
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