CASE STUDYUNITEDWITHDATA & DEDICATION

How to select the best courier around the globe
Data-driven decisions drive efficiencies across the clinical trial supply chain
Data-driven decisions realize cost andperformance improvements across thesupply chain
Our client, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies,
conducts multiple clinical trials on a variety of products targeting
auto-immune disorders. Historically, the Sponsor relied upon
Thermo Fisher Scientific to support packaging and labelingrequirements for its clinical trials while directly managing thedistribution and logistics aspect of all trials. Over time, and as
the Sponsor’s pipeline and global presence continued to grow,management of the supply chain presented challenges. TheSponsor was forecasting a significant increase in its clinical trial
projects globally, with plans to extend out into less well developedand emerging markets. Additionally, cost pressures demanded atighter supply chain with better control over inventory levels, andthere was a need for increased temperature monitoring of clinicalsupplies in transit.

An integrated supply chain
The Thermo Fisher team approached the Sponsor with a holistic
view of its entire supply chain, incorporating all of the services
provided by the Patheon™ Fisher Clinical ServicesSM offering– packaging, labeling and now distribution. An initial analysis
of its current distribution and logistics model was carried out
by a dedicated team of logistics experts all over the globe. The
objective of the team was to clearly show how cost efficiencies
could be realized without compromising on performance in theglobal distribution strategy for all trials. Proposed adjustments
could not impact on the ability to reach patient pools in remotelocations. Furthermore, the Sponsor was keen to maintain total
visibility of all clinical supplies across regions.
This dedicated team was given access to all of the data collatedby the Thermo Fisher Global Logistics Helpdesk, i.e. data on theSponsor’s shipments and on all other Thermo Fisher shipments
for all clients. All shipments were analysed in great detail - routing,courier reliability, temperature excursions, and deviations. Coldchain capability was taken into consideration due to the nature ofproducts being handled for the Sponsor’s clinical trials.

Proposed solution

The result

Having reviewed the existing portfolio of shipments andgeographic distribution patterns, extending out to developing
and emerging markets, Thermo Fisher immediately identified
that, historically, the sponsor had tended to route a very highpercentage of shipments via a premium courier service. Thermo
Fisher proposed a Total Transportation Management Service
approach which would allow each trial to be broken down by region
and by shipping route. Couriers would then be chosen based on
their On Time In Full (OTIF) performance history, which included
performance data for temperature sensitive material shipments.

The Sponsor was able to reduce its premium courier shipments tojust 6% of its total shipments, far exceeding all expectations, yet
not compromising on delivery timelines.

Metrics measurement
The initial target was to reduce premium courier shipments tojust 20% of total shipments. By utilizing Thermo Fisher’s logistics
network, the client was able to benefit from preferential standard
and premium freight rates, preferential global facility and depot
rates, fixed costs and fuel surcharges. Substantial savings
were predicted as Thermo Fisher recommended reducing thenumber of shipments sent via the expensive premium courierroute; reducing overall costs and mitigating risk. Thermo Fisher
ability to act as Importer of Record maintained a secure chainof custody across the supply chain. OTIF delivery timelines wereimproved and the Sponsor maintained visibility and control frombeginning to end.

In addition, the Sponsor continues to appreciate the cost savingsand performance improvements across the supply chain. Thermo
Fisher’s Global Logistics Helpdesk issues monthly reports tothe Sponsor, highlighting customized performance monitoringmetrics. The Help Desk’s state-of-the-art technology platform andproactive track, trace and intervention service provides enhanced
end-to-end visibility across the clinical trial supply chain.
This leading biotech company can now focus on its high value
innovative drug development initiatives with peace-of-mind
that Thermo Fisher will continue to deliver clinical supplies topatients OTIF, maintaining quality standards, realizing costand performance efficiencies and mitigating risk across thesupply chain.

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