Warehousing of Drugs and Pharmacueticals
Warehousing of Drugs and Pharmacueticals
Warehousing of Drugs and Pharmacueticals
LAYOUT OF WAREHOUSE:
LAYOUT OPTIONS:
1. 'U' flow
2. 'Through' flow
U FLOW WAREHOUSE: Provides excellent security because only one side of the building
is used for entry and exit. Allows scope for expansion in three directions but the
disadvantage of the ‘U’ flow arrangement is that congestion can occur if there is heavy
incoming and outgoing traffic at the same time.
THROUGH FLOW WAREHOUSE: There is little risk of congestion at the loading docks.
However, security is an increased problem because of the two-sided arrangement. This
is likely to require two security gates with access roads on both sides of the building. In
addition, the potential for expansion is limited to two directions only.
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE MEDIA:
Shelves and cupboards: Use shelves and cupboards to store smaller products.
Cupboards: To keep specific products free from dust or light, cupboards should be
there.
Shelves: Adjustable shelves and racks should be used in line with a passageway not less
than 90 cm wide. Also place the shelves 90 cm from the walls of the storeroom to
ensure they are accessible from both sides. Avoid placing shelves only around the edge
of the room. On shelves clear labeling of products should be there.
Tables in the packing area: Provide large tables in the packing area for staff to use when
assembling and packing shipments. Keep the tables clean.
Pallets: Pallets are used to store bulk items and larger cartons. They keep things off the
floor and can be used with forklifts or trolleys to move around groups of larger items.
Pallets are generally used only in larger facilities because storing and moving pallets can
be expensive. Smaller facilities might have a few pallets left in place to ensure air
circulation and keep products off the floor.
i. Factory Stock should be received with proper documents detailing the names of
product -the batch number, the number of units of final packs of each batch, the date
of dispatch and the quality control status of the batches.
ii. The stock control system must be such that only passed batches of products are
issued for distribution. Stocks should be stored product wise to enable quick
identification and control of stock movement .Stocks should therefore be racked and
stored in a manner that earlier stocks are more early accessible than the later ones
following FIFO (first in first out).
iii. The picking and assembling areas should be arranged so as to minimize the distance
travelled by warehouse operators. Picking stocks should be located on shelves at
convenient heights and with proper labels which clearly identify the products.
iv. Assembled products should be checked for accuracy of quantities and identities of
products ordered. Batch details should be recorded in relevant documents.
v. The unit product packs should be not contaminated by other products. Vehicles
which carry the final packaged stocks of products should be so selected that-
1. They are clear, dry and sufficiently protected from rain and other weather factors
2. They are free from infestation.
3. They do not give off strong odors which may contaminate the products.
4. They are suitable to withstand the weight of the load they carry.
MANAGEMENT OF WAREHOUSE:
DOCUMENTATION-
A. STOCK CARD: It is a simple and efficient tool that enables the management of a
warehouse. A stock card should be created for each pharmaceutical product and
regularly updated. They must be easily accessible.
Product movement; date; incoming quantity and origin; outgoing quantities; losses due
to damaged product broken flask, lost product.
2. MONTHLY:
a. Conduct physical inventory or cycle count, and update stock keeping records
c. Inspect the storage structure for damage, including the walls, floors, roof, windows, and
doors.
3. EVERY 3 MONTHS (QUARTERLY):
a. Conduct physical inventory or cycle count, and update stock keeping records
c. Visually inspect fire extinguishers to ensure that pressures are maintained and extinguishers
are ready for use.
4. EVERY 6 MONTHS:
5. EVERY 12 MONTHS: