157 DB Schenker Stations Certified According to GDP

DB Schenker underscores its commitment to excellence and compliance in the pharmaceutical supply chain by certifying 157 stations according to the standards of Good Distribution Practice (GDP). The key markets for global trade in medical goods in America, Europe, and Asia are now covered by the DB SCHENKER | life+ portfolio. In this context, the term station refers to an operational business unit.

(Essen) With this milestone achieved, DB Schenker is now able to cover 80% of global healthcare trade flows in logistics, providing one of the largest GDP-compliant logistics networks worldwide. The global logistics service provider is thus ideally prepared for the growing demands of the global pharmaceutical industry.

For companies, it is crucial to comply with GDP guidelines to position themselves as a reliable partner in the highly regulated healthcare sector. By adhering to Good Distribution Practice, DB Schenker follows a quality guideline that ensures the integrity and quality of pharmaceutical products are maintained throughout the entire supply chain process. DB Schenker’s internal Global Healthcare Quality Management System takes into account the Good Distribution Practices for human and veterinary medicinal products, as well as related active pharmaceutical ingredients, of the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO). DB Schenker ensures that the requirements are met through the internal directive “Healthcare Quality Management,” which forms the basis of DB SCHENKER | life+.

At the End of Every Supply Chain is a Patient

Veronique Dameme, Head of Global Vertical Market Healthcare at DB Schenker: “At the end of every supply chain in healthcare is a patient. That’s why we ensure that medical products are stored and distributed according to the highest standards. The successful certification of our stations according to GDP is an important milestone on our roadmap and a testament to our continuous pursuit of excellence in pharmaceutical logistics.”

When DB Schenker began the implementation process for certification, the first goal was to define a global standard. This global standard was to apply to all modes of transport, making the GDP certificate suitable. The comprehensive certification ensures that processes, infrastructure, and personnel meet the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, and this applies equally to all business areas. After successful internal certification of a station, a risk-based re-audit occurs based on continuously measured KPIs. This takes place at least every three years to ensure the highest quality is consistently maintained.

Continuous Demand Analysis for Additional Locations

DB Schenker continuously analyzes its customers’ demand for additional locations. Within the next twelve months, the company aims to achieve certification for over 180 of its own stations.

Photo: © DB Schenker