Validation and Optimization of Cold Chain for Biologics Products

Xie Sheng'ai Christine

Abstract

The three major concerns with regard to the cold chain have been successfully resolved through the use of Industrial System Engineering tools and a series of experimental runs performed on site. The first concern which is the Packing Optimization Problem was resolved by developing a Mixed Integer Programming model and using the optimization software- LINGO to obtain optimal solutions. The model was also validated to be accurate and logical. The second concern which is the Courier Selection Under Uncertainty Problem was modeled using a systematic decision making framework using the DPL software. One-way sensitivity analysis as well as two-way sensitivity analysis was performed to enable decision makers to make optimal decisions in view of complex trade-offs and uncertainty. Last but not least, the final concern which is the Product Temperature Excursion Problem was resolved by performing a series of experimental runs to test the effect of the current cold chain practices versus the vendor’s recommendation. The positive results of the experimental runs provide insights for the warehouse manager to improve the cold chain processes to make it more efficient and productive and also greatly reduce the risk of temperature excursion during shipment.