TOKYO -- Drug distributor Suzuken will soon offer digital monitoring of storage and shipping conditions for delicate, costly pharmaceuticals, taking advantage of a cargo-monitoring system from AT&T to curb hefty losses from damage or expiration.
The Japanese company aims to put a high-tech distribution system used by U.S. peer AmerisourceBergen in place by April 2017. Medications will be fitted with wireless smart tags for use with special refrigerators that Suzuken will lease to hospitals. This will enable closer monitoring of storage conditions, expiration dates and inventories.
