What Is Pharmacode and Why Does It Matter?
Pharmacode, also known as the Laetus Code, is a critical component in pharmaceutical packaging used to ensure packaging and product consistency. It verifies that the right product is matched with the correct packaging and enters the supply chain with proper documentation.
Packaging errors can lead to serious consequences:
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- ⚠️ Health risks for consumers
- ⚠️ Damage to brand reputation/li>
- ⚠️ Legal issues and financial penalties
For example, distributing a medication for hypertension in the wrong carton could result in ineffective treatment and serious harm to patients. To prevent such outcomes, many manufacturers integrate pharmacode analysis and verification directly into their production processes.
- ⚠️ Health risks for consumers
- ⚠️ Damage to brand reputation/li>
- ⚠️ Legal issues and financial penalties
📌 Any distortion in bar thickness or spacing can lead to incorrect readings, which is why precise printing and calibration are essential.
Furthermore, integrating OCR/OCV (Optical Character Recognition/Verification) near the pharmacode area enables simultaneous code and text verification, enhancing quality assurance.
How Does Pharmacode Verification Work?
Modern laser-based or camera-based vision systems are used to inspect pharmacodes inline during packaging. Here’s how it works:
- * Image Capture:
High-speed cameras or sensors scan the code printed on packaging materials.
- * Line Segmentation:
The system identifies thick and thin bars, unique to pharma codes.
- * Binary Conversion:
These bars are converted into binary values to verify accuracy.
Best Practices for Pharmacode Application
To ensure full verification, the same pharmacode must appear on all parts of a pharmaceutical product’s packaging:
- 📦 Carton
- 🧾 Prospectus (leaflet)
- 🧴 Label
- 🧪 Aluminium foil (blister)
During production, any mismatch or unreadable code must trigger an automatic rejection to prevent faulty products from entering the market.
🔄 If inconsistent pharmacode values are detected, an in-process control procedure should be initiated immediately to identify and resolve the root cause.
Our Solutions
At NewmaTechs, we deliver cutting-edge machine vision systems designed for high-speed pharmacode analysis and verification. Our solutions offer:
- 📷 Industrial-grade high-resolution cameras
- 🤖 Intelligent algorithms for code detection and validation
- 🔧 Easy integration with existing PLC and MES systems
- 📊 Real-time monitoring, logging, and rejection feedback)