Case study: How a pharmaceutical manufacturer reduced labelling errors by 50%
Share

Case study: How a pharmaceutical manufacturer reduced labelling errors by 50%

Reducing labelling errors by 50% in the pharmaceutical industry is possible. Our case study takes you to the heart of the success story, detailing the challenge, the automated labelling solution, and the concrete results you, too, can achieve! It’s a must‑read for any quality manager looking to combine performance and absolute regulatory compliance.

In the pharmaceutical industry, there is little to no room for error. Every pharmacy label must be perfect, every code must be legible, and every piece of information must comply with Canadian labelling requirements. For quality managers like you, ensuring this level of perfection is a daily challenge. A simple product labelling error can result in batch quarantine, costly delays and patient safety risks.

This case study illustrates how a Canadian pharmaceutical manufacturer overcame this challenge by partnering with DMS Marking Coding to rethink its labelling process and achieve measurable results.

The challenges: costly manual errors and compliance at risk

Consider a major manufacturer of sterile products facing a recurring problem on its packaging line. Despite rigorous controls, the company was experiencing a labelling error rate that was affecting productivity and threatening regulatory compliance:

  • Positioning errors. Labels applied by an aging system are misaligned.
  • Incorrect data. Manual entry of lot numbers and expiration dates leaves room for human error.
  • Operational impact. Each error detected can require line stoppages, batch isolation, and relabelling, driving down overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Therefore, the challenge is twofold: improve efficiency and ensure 100% compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

The DMS solution: an intelligent, 100% automated labelling machine

After auditing the production line, our experts will propose an integrated solution: an automatic labelling system, specifically the LS7000 label applicator.

  1. Complete automation. A precise label applicator is installed to ensure perfect positioning on each product package at high speeds.
  2. Centralized data management. This solution can be connected to the factory system, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring the correct information is on every product label.
  3. Real‑time quality control. A vision system inspects each label after application. The product is automatically ejected without human intervention if a reading error is detected.

The results: a drastic reduction in errors and peace of mind

The results can be seen within six months of implementing the new labelling machine. Here are the kinds of statistics that will exceed expectations:

  • ✅ 50% reduction in labelling errors detected across the entire line.
  • ✅ 0% error rate on products leaving the validated station.
  • ✅ 15% increase in line throughput.

Most importantly, confidence during audits is dramatically increased. Your plant’s quality management executives will be able to say things like, “The system doesn’t let anything get by,” “The peace of mind we’ve gained is priceless,” or “We know that every pharmaceutical label that leaves this line is 100% compliant.”

What if your labelling line became a source of confidence, not stress?

This success is possible with rigorous analysis and a customized industrial marking solution for the pharmaceutical industry. The right approach can solve your challenges.

Let us evaluate your current labelling process during a no‑obligation audit. Together, we will identify opportunities to improve your performance and ensure compliance.