QuickSTAT and Almac Group have entered a partnership to provide a ‘Just In Time (JIT)’ solution aimed at improving turn around times of phase change shipper solutions and other Vacuum Insulated Packaging (VIP) Systems. The goal of the program is to help to ensure the viability of high-risk shipments to geographical and logistically challenging countries, in order to minimize the risk of a shipment temperature excursion.
 
The Phase Change Shipping units will be fulfilled on a JIT basis, with same day dispatch for each customer shipment. The units will be conditioned under the manufacturer’s strict standard operating procedures for the specific temperature ranges required: +2° to +8° C, +15° to +25° C, and -25° to-15° C. According to the companies, they will be transported in an expedited manner, with same day dispatch, reducing turn around time and accelerating delivery to most locations worldwide by at least 24 hours from previous industry methods.
 
The base operation for the program will be in a newly commissioned QuickSTAT temperature controlled facility, which was designed, mapped and qualified according to EU GDP guidelines. The facility is located near to the Belfast International Airport, and 30 minutes from Almac’s Global Headquarters in Craigavon, UK.
 
The Inventory Management System, developed by QuickSTAT’s in-house IT team, has the ability to track VIP shippers in transit, monitors the actual time the package is valid from pack out time, and calculates time from pack out to expiration, based on the packaging validation specifications. It also includes a managed inventory, inclusive of returns, providing efficient use of return shippers.
 
“QuickSTAT is committed to providing customised solutions for our life science clients to meet the ever-challenging demands of the industry. We are pleased to offer this enhanced service, and look forward to working together with Almac Group to create innovations to strengthen their global supply chain,” said Paul White, corporate executive vice president, QuickSTAT.
 
“We are looking forward to the continued partnership with QuickSTAT and the seamless JIT service that this new facility will provide to Almac and our global clinical trial customers,” said Sharon Courtney, Logistics Services Manager at Almac.