Purdue Pharma recently started to integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into its packaging to prevent drug counterfeiting.The company will use RFID products produced by Symbol Technologies Inc. for the pilot project, which began with the RFID tagging of 100-count bottles of OxyContin tablets. RFID readers capture tag information at stations along the manufacturing line as the products are automatically packaged. The data is then immediately moved into Purdue’s asset management SAP system for real-time visibility.

“We are using the Symbol RFID solution to give us greater visibility of our products throughout the supply chain,” says Aaron Graham, Purdue Pharma vice president and chief security officer. “RFID is a very important technology because it helps us better ensure the authenticity and safety of our product after it leaves our manufacturing facility and is distributed to wholesalers, hospitals and pharmacies.”

For more information, visit www.purduepharma.com.

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