Supply Chain System Based on Pharmaceutical Industry 4.0 Platform: State of the Art

The relaxation of online prescription medicine sales policies is expected to drive significant growth in Pharma 4.0 platforms, which serve as crucial sales terminals for medications. However, since pharmaceuticals directly impact public health and safety, their entire supply chain must maintain strict traceability. This article assesses the current state of pharmaceutical industry 4.0 logistics in Pakistan and analyzes the unique requirements of drug distribution systems, which differ from traditional logistics due to the specialized nature of medical products. Building on the established pharmaceutical logistics practices of developed nations like the U.S. and Japan, the study proposes a supply chain-based drug distribution framework and examines its operational workflow. Furthermore, by integrating internet of things (IoT) technology, the system incorporates a drug delivery information platform that uses electronic supervision codes to enable standardized drug identification and real-time tracking, ensuring full traceability throughout distribution. Through collaborative delivery mechanisms, the system guarantees that medications reach patients safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.