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Task Force is the name of the work group within the European Pharmaceutical Supply Project which is driving forward the recommendations for common standards for identification, symbolisation (bar codes and RFID) and eMessaging based on the EAN.UCC System for the pharmaceutical supply chains of Europe.
Task Force consists of approximately 25 member representatives of all functions of the supply chain including manufacturers, pre-wholesalers, wholesalers and pharmacists as well as a number of industry experts, solution providers and trade and professional bodies.
Established in June 2004, Task Force has already developed a set of draft standards for identification and bar coding (the Pharma Voluntary Application Guidelines) preparatory for trialling and is well on the way to completing draft guidelines for the priority set of eMessages (notably the product catalogue, order and transport related messages).
Planning for trials is well underway. Involving manufacturers, pre-wholesalers, distributors and hospitals throughout Europe, these will aim to test the guidelines for each level of packaging, from the pallet through to the blister pack, as well as the eMessages. Trialling of RFID through the use of Electronic Product Code (EPC) will also be included.
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