FANASA: Certified Quality Management Systems

Consistency and quality of processes are goals for every serious company. In the current global market, something that makes companies stand out are certifications, as they validate the quality of processes and management systems. In many occasions, certifications play a basic role for companies dabbling into innovative fields that lack a regulatory process. However, following international certification requirements is the way to prove their worth in a new market.

One of the most recognized and referenced certifications worldwide is ISO, created by the non-governmental International Organization of Standardization (ISO). ISO gathers representatives from 165 national standards bodies to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based and market-relevant international standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. ISO is one of the first organizations to gain the general consultive status from the UN Economic and Social Councils.

ISO certifies management systems, manufacturing processes, services or documentation procedures to ensure quality, safety and efficiency of products, services and systems. ISO certifications are a way to show stakeholders that a business has a well-run structure and stable and steady growth. In healthcare, ISO 9001:2015 is the most common reference for Quality Management Systems (QMS). This certification supports business with efficiency and customer centricity, which ensures the ability to deliver care practices that will meet the requirements of the patient. Certification experts have called ISO 9001:2015 a must for healthcare providers.

Good practices for the health industry, regardless of the sector, are an important step to guarantee a safe care provision chain. From hospitals to logistics, QMS have direct impact on patients. Distribution, for instance, plays a significant role in this chain and its importance can be reflected in the logistics challenges the world has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Distribution of medicines and medical supplies was a way to provide confidence to the population and to ensure that, regardless of the situation, treatments would be available in time and form. On a yet uncertain reality, the work of medicine distributors grows in importance. “The COVID-19 pandemic requires a safe and quick reaction and the ability to adapt to changing demands,” shared Farmacos Nacionales (FANASA) on a communicate to MBN.

How Can Medicine Distribution Thrive Amid Uncertainty?

Strict quality standards are required to guarantee the perfect condition of medications. “In this industry, counterfeit products are common, so it is important to comply with regulations,” explained FANASA. “At the comany, all our warehouses are regulated by COFEPRIS, which guarantees the right environment for the products we handle, ensuring that the medications we provide will serve its purpose.”

Moreover, smart use of technology to further guarantee safe, quality products is a game changer. FANASA specified that technology provides them with security protocols related to installation and distribution processes. “FANASA keeps track of all its distribution orders and the location of its vehicles,” shared the company. Technology enhances FANASA’s costumer centricity solutions, as well. “Our objective is to achieve the most productive stock and supply for clients to maximize their sales. The right use of data can help our clients boost sales.” The company explains that to provide the best services to Big Pharma chains with automatic purchasing systems, medicine distributors need to employ logistics technology from reception of the order to its fulfillment and distribution process. According to FANASA, distributors also need to adapt to large and small clients. “We implement electronic data interchange (EDI) for large companies and we share data related to inventory and supply to generate the order. With smaller clients, we usually do face-to-face visits to understand their needs and formulate an order that addresses their requirements.”

This process has provided FANASA with the adequate QMS, which granted the company the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its FINSA warehouse, located in Mexico City. The company, which is celebrating its anniversary in January, is now certified regarding its correct and productive compliance with international standards and processes.

Certainty Despite Challenges

According to FANASA, the ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects the company’s efforts to provide solutions, comprehensive quality services with innovation and technology for the commercialization and distribution of medicines, supplies and products for health throughout Mexico. Despite the pandemic and the constant changes in the sector, “FANASA has concentrated on serving the needs of our customers, business and strategic partners, providing alternatives with high added value.”