Article
Pharma and Medical Device Distributors: Batches, Expiry and Document Trails
In pharma and medical device distribution, "which batch was this from and who received it" has to be answerable in minutes.
What makes it different from ordinary distribution
- Batch numbers and expiry dates attach to every receipt and shipment.
- Picking order usually follows nearest expiry, not simply first in.
- Documents must be stored neatly and remain traceable.
- Partners hold licences whose validity needs recording and monitoring.
Prepare master data carefully
One product, one code, one base unit. Products with different pack sizes need clear conversion rules. Mistakes here reappear in every stock report.
What to see daily
- Stock by batch and remaining shelf life.
- Goods approaching expiry within 90 days.
- Shipments waiting on documents.
- Partner receivables and credit limits.
A compliance note
Licensing, reporting and traceability rules in this sector are set by regulators and change over time. We help organise the system so the data and documents are ready; we do not give regulatory advice. Confirm your obligations with your responsible technical staff and qualified advisers.
The parts usually built to order
Partner licence tracking, periodic reporting and internal approvals are often missing from standard apps, but can be built on the same data with Zoho Creator, connected to Zoho Inventory.