Learn how a major pharmaceutical company averted downtime by utilising NCC’s sourcing expertise and supply chain management experience.
The Challenge
A global pharmaceutical company had significant challenges in relation to sourcing key raw materials that were being used in the production of an important pharmaceutical drug in their portfolio of products. In the past the company had experienced unforeseen supply chain difficulties such as adverse weather conditions, force majeure as well as issues with logistic providers.
In addition, the company required that these raw materials were available at short notice. One of their KPI’s was zero unplanned downtime, meaning that at no stage would there be a deficit of critical raw materials available. A continued uninterrupted stream of materials that could be accessed at any time was essential. The company had been in discussion with a number of suppliers but was not completely confident that the levels of service that it required were going to be achieved.
The Solution
NCC’s Account Managers were able to provide a customised solution that satisfied not only the Pharma company’s supply chain challenges but in addition ensured that their KPI of zero unplanned downtime was met. Our in-house Sourcing Department researched what the best options were as regards to providing a reliable supply of key raw materials. Then working closely with our Operations and Logistics Department they formulated a strategy that meant that a bulk buffer stock of raw materials was available.
NCC facilitated the storage of bulk tankers on behalf of the customer in a secure facility, this ensured that products were available wherever the customer required it. The quantities have been significant, with up to 200 metric tonnes in storage but easily and quickly accessible.
At all times, our Account Managers provided regular and clear communication to the customer informing them of the local quantity status of materials available. This gave our customer the freedom to change production plans with total confidence. It was important that NCC could accommodate this flexibility as previous supply partners had been unable to provide this arrangement.
The Result – Consistent availability of raw materials with no down time
The result of the approach provided by NCC has meant that no production downtime has occurred, meaning that our customer’s KPI’s have been consistently met. Feedback has been very positive, and the project has grown in scope. Now in the event of an unforeseen delay, the Pharmaceutical company can now rest easy, safe in the knowledge that NCC has mitigated the risk. Meaning that our customer has been able to focus solely on production and be less concerned with raw material headaches. In fact, they stated that;
“NCC are very proactive if a delivery is delayed, they provide plenty of notice. In addition, they have given excellent COVID and Brexit updates.” “We have total confidence in NCC’s ability to provide continuity of supply, the approach and execution has been excellent to date. A top-class collaboration.”
Driving customer growth through dedicated service excellence
We assist our pharmaceutical customers by providing a full suite of services that enables them to focus on what is important; continued uninterrupted production. Our Dedicated Account Managers work closely with customers, acting as an extension of your team at every stage. With strong technical backgrounds and a deep understanding of the challenges that our customers have, solving your unique supply challenges are our primary concern.
We can help your business with:
- Project management at every stage with a single point of contact, understanding your exact requirements throughout the raw material supply chain
- Established relationships with key trusted manufacturers as well as market expertise of the specific requirements of relevant manufacturing
- In-depth product knowledge & negotiation of pricing
- Development of new business opportunities
- New supplier reputational checks
- Full paperwork service
- Researching of alternative sources, secondary sources & prevalidation of proposed novel supply routes
- Multi-location sourcing
- Full Logistics service
For further information fill out the form below or contact your NCC contact directly.
