The heart of the matter: the evolution of our HealthChain quality certified network
The complex world of healthcare supply chains is much like the human circulatory system, a complex net of arteries, veins and capillaries transporting life giving products. Driven by the heart of the system, the logistics service provider (LSP).
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving; no longer is it confined to easily accessible over-the-counter medicines. It now encompasses a diverse array of products from biopharmaceuticals and vaccines to medical devices and med tech, from animal health to consumer healthcare and diagnostics. New supply chains are built, existing supply chains strengthened.
Kuehne+Nagel is on a continuous journey to anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of increasingly sophisticated healthcare products while accommodating stringent international and local government regulations. As part of this journey, KN PharmaChain, launched in 2012, matured into the HealthChain quality label in 2023, a new gold standard for Healthcare Logistics, guaranteeing industry-leading GxP standards at all times.
Over the past decade, we have developed and enhanced our HyperCare service, which acts much like an immune system for the supply chain. The HyperCare team monitors shipments 24/7/365 and reacting at first sign of a deviation and thus preserving product integrity. And, like the immune system, the HyperCare team, stores information on, and remembers deviations that have occurred in the past; ever vigilant, it is primed to react at the first sign of trouble and thus preserve product integrity.
Every one of our 270+ HealthChain certified locations in over 60 countries operate to the same high standards, delivering healthcare products to over 95 per cent of the world’s population, prioritising product integrity, and sustainable practices at every turn.
In the infographic below, you can follow the progress of our tireless work to strengthen the heart of the healthcare supply chain.
2012
Launch of KN PharmaChain for GxP compliant healthcare services
- By using wireless sensors, it is possible, for the first time, to monitor the temperature of goods throughout the entire transport chain.
- The Air Logistics locations in Basel and Zurich are certified as the first GxP compliant locations in our global air network.
- The CareTeam, a team dedicated to monitoring air shipments when failure is not an option, is formed.
2013
Quality certification for overland shipments
- Bratislava is certified as the first Road Logistics GxP compliant location in our global network.
- Hong Kong Air Logistics is certified as the 50th GxP certified location in our global network.
2014
Quality certification extends to shipments by sea freight
- Moehlin Sea Logistics is certified as the first GxP compliant Sea Logistics location in our global network.
2015
Addition of new features and services
- Multimodal, digital lane risk assessment, geo-position, and map functionality are added to the real-time tracking.
- Langenhagen Air Logistics and Vienna Sea Logistics are certified as the joint 100th GxP compliant locations in our global network.
2017
Setting the industry standard
- Kuehne+Nagel is the first company to receive IATA CEIV Pharma certification for its entire global Air Logistics network of GxP compliant locations.
- Jeddah Sea Logistics is certified as the 150th GxP compliant location in our global network.
2018
Support over a product’s entire life cycle
- With the acquisition of QuickSTAT, it is now possible to support you for every step of your product’s life cycle.
- The European Healthcare Fleet, a fleet of temperature-controlled pharma trailers, offering state-of-the-art-equipment that ensures the quality of your pharmaceutical products from pick-up to delivery, begins operation.
2019
200 GxP certified locations worldwide
- Hyderabad Sea Logistics is certified as the 200th GxP compliant location in our global network.
2020
Quality going from strength to strength
- IATA CEIV re-certification of the entire KN PharmaChain GxP compliant Air Logistics network.
2021
CareTeam becomes HyperCare
- The team has its eyes on your cargo during the entire shipment journey, checking that each milestone is reached as per the agreed timelines, and in the case of disruption or temperature excursion, action is taken immediately to prevent damage to your product.
2022
Speeding up the CAPA process
- A dedicated global supply chain integrity (SCI) team is formed to streamline the corrective action and preventative action (CAPA) process, reducing deviation-of-quality incidents considerably.
2023
Introduction of the HealthChain quality label
- Adapting to the changing needs of the healthcare industry, KN PharmaChain evolves to become the HealthChain quality label.
- Hanoi Road Logistics is certified as the 250th GxP compliant location in our global network.
- IATA CEIV re-certification of the entire HealthChain certified healthcare Air Logistics network with over 100 CEIV Pharma-certified stations.
Read more about how Kuehne+Nagel's Healthcare Logistics solutions here.
With over 80,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world's leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is listed in the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI. The Group is the global number 1 in air and sea logistics and has strong market positions in road and contract logistics.
Kuehne+Nagel is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers worldwide. Using its global network, logistics expertise and data-based insights, the Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries. As a member of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Kuehne+Nagel is committed to sustainable logistics by reducing its own environmental footprint and by supporting its customers with low-carbon logistics solutions.