Production Management Platform (PMP) is a scaleable software solution that targets this still growing problem for cosmetic and pharmaceutical producers worldwide who are increasingly faced with the issues of grey market imports as well as counterfeiting and product piracy.
According to the company the new software has been developed around the principles for checking, reporting and preparing, which it claims are the basics for verifying that cosmetic products are adequately monitored throughout the supply chain.
The software is currently being platformed at the FachPack 2012 industry event in Nuremberg, Germany, where its design will be demonstrated, underscoring its tracking and protection functions to counteract diversion and counterfeiting.
Controlling the entire production process
The PMP software controls the entire production, labelling, shipping and returns process thanks to the incorporation of information and a code into the packaging designed to protect brand integrity.
It works by logging all records on every production unit, as well as the machines involved in the production process, thus ensuring that all the data and information on ingredients used, batch numbers production details and shipping can be comprehensively logged and tracked using real time data exchange.
Likewise, the PMP software is integrated with the company’s Track & Trace platform, to provide secure interfaces for the verification process, allowing shipped product codes to be references though various media, including smart phones.
Product properties can also be logged
Specific product properties such as expiry dates, or a unique serialization numbers can be linked to the corresponding product packaging, thus ensuring full traceability across the entire supply chain based on the allocation of the number.
The company says that the software can help cosmetic manufacturers fight against grey market imports, a problem that particularly affects the prestige and luxury end of the market for products such as fragrances and colour cosmetics.
In recent years such imports have served to reduce the credibility of many high-end brands, as most of the counterfeit products are of lower quality and perform poorly, eroding the investment in safety, quality and marketing made by the legitimate brand owners.