Whatever area of the developed world you look at, pharmaceuticals is big business. A recent report by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) revealed that the UK pharma industry now makes a greater contribution to the nation’s economy than any other industrial sector. In the US, Homeland Security has identified the nation’s healthcare system as a key resource, of which prescription medicines are a primary component. In Europe, the European Commission recognises that the industry contributes not just to the economy but also provides high quality employment and improved public health, as well as investment in the science base. Emerging markets are evident in the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia’s industry is fast becoming the centre of the global market.
With this ‘big picture’ perspective, it is easy to forget the intricate logistics required at every stage of the process, from manufacture and transportation through to distribution, all of which allow the process to run smoothly regardless of continent or country. Safe storage is a vital component of the whole and it is not surprising that, as the industry continues to grow exponentially, the requirement for pharmaceutical warehouses or specialised storage areas is also on the rise to enable the safe distribution of medicinal products.