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In the pharmaceutical industry, product safety, traceability, and the prevention of counterfeit drugs are extremely important. For this purpose, the Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System (ITS) developed in Türkiye is an advanced system that enables the electronic tracking of medicines from production to the patient.
Thanks to DataMatrix (QR code) coding applied to pharmaceutical packaging, each medicine box receives a unique identity. This allows the production, distribution, sale, and recall processes of medicines to be monitored easily.
In this article, we will examine the purpose of the Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System, pharmaceutical coding technologies, and the importance of system integration.
What Is the Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System (ITS)?
The Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System (ITS) is a traceability system developed by the Turkish Ministry of Health that allows all movements of medicines to be electronically monitored from production to the patient.
Within this system:
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A unique DataMatrix code is applied to every medicine package
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Product movements are tracked step by step through the system
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The entire process from production to the pharmacy is digitally recorded
This system improves patient safety while ensuring transparency throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Main Objectives of the Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System
The implementation of ITS serves several critical goals.
The main objectives include:
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Preventing counterfeit medicines
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Blocking illegal or unauthorized products from entering the market
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Accelerating drug recall processes
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Improving patient safety
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Ensuring transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain
With this system, it is possible to track where a medicine was produced, which warehouses it passed through, and which pharmacy it was delivered to.
DataMatrix Code Information Used in Pharmaceutical Coding
Within the ITS framework, specific information is encoded on pharmaceutical packaging in the form of DataMatrix codes.
These codes include the following information:
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GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) – The global product identification number
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SN (Serial Number) – A unique serial number assigned to each product
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LOT (Batch Number) – The production batch number
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EXP (Expiration Date) – The product’s expiration date
To ensure that this information is clear, readable, and permanent, various industrial coding technologies are used.
Technologies Used in Pharmaceutical Coding
Different coding technologies are used in pharmaceutical production lines. Each technology offers advantages depending on the type of packaging and production requirements.
1. TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) Coding
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) coding systems are widely used in pharmaceutical packaging.
Advantages include:
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High resolution (600 dpi)
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Clean and precise print quality
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Ideal for carton boxes and blister packaging
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High precision for small packaging formats
2. CO₂ Laser Coding
CO₂ laser marking systems provide permanent marking without the use of ink.
Advantages include:
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No consumables required
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Low maintenance requirements
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Permanent marking on carton boxes and blister packaging
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Environmentally friendly since no chemicals are used
3. UV Laser Coding
UV laser coding technology is particularly suitable for sensitive and plastic surfaces.
Advantages include:
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High contrast on plastic surfaces
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Micro-level precision marking
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Minimal heat effect
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Preferred for premium pharmaceutical packaging
4. CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) Coding
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) coding systems are commonly used in high-speed production lines.
Advantages include:
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Dynamic data printing
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Compatibility with high-speed production lines
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High efficiency in mass production environments
Importance of Integration in Pharmaceutical Coding Systems
Coding devices used in pharmaceutical production lines are usually integrated with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and ITS software.
This integration ensures:
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The uniqueness of every code is guaranteed
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Real-time data verification can be performed
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Coding errors can be detected during production
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Maximum product traceability is achieved
These systems play a critical role in automation and data security within pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Conclusion
The Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System (ITS) is one of the most important digital systems that ensures product safety and traceability in the pharmaceutical industry.
Through this system:
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Counterfeit medicines can be prevented
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The supply chain becomes more transparent
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Patient safety is improved
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Product recall processes are accelerated
Coding technologies such as TIJ, CO₂ laser, UV laser, and CIJ, used within the ITS framework, ensure that the necessary information is accurately, clearly, and permanently marked on pharmaceutical packaging.
For this reason, coding technologies and system integration have become an essential part of traceability and quality management in modern pharmaceutical production lines.
