Operations & Supply Chain

Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and GDP Compliance

Medicines must be stored and transported under controlled conditions to remain safe and effective. This course covers the pharmaceutical supply chain and Good Distribution Practice: temperature control, qualification of facilities and vehicles, documentation, falsified medicines, recalls, supplier and customer qualification and GDP inspections.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Distribution failures can put patients at risk and cost licences. You will learn the controls regulators expect throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Regulatory briefings, temperature excursion case studies, documentation exercises and mock inspection.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the pharmaceutical supply chain and regulations
Apply Good Distribution Practice requirements
Manage temperature-controlled storage and transport
Qualify suppliers, customers and service providers
Handle deviations, returns and recalls
Prepare for GDP inspections

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Pharmaceutical logistics managers
Quality and responsible persons
Warehouse managers in healthcare
Distributors and wholesalers
Hospital pharmacy supply staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

GDP compliance
Cold chain management
Qualification
Deviation handling
Inspection readiness

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Pharma Supply Chain

09:00–10:08Structure and stakeholders
10:08–11:00Regulatory framework
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Regulatory framework (continued)
11:45–12:53Patient safety
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Good Distribution Practice

09:00–10:08Quality systems
10:08–11:00Personnel and training
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Personnel and training (continued)
11:45–12:53Premises and equipment
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Temperature Control

09:00–10:08Storage conditions
10:08–11:00Transport validation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Transport validation (continued)
11:45–12:53Excursions
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 4Qualification and Security

09:00–10:08Supplier and customer qualification
10:08–11:00Falsified medicines
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Falsified medicines (continued)
11:45–12:53Returns and recalls
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Inspections

09:00–10:08Inspection process
10:08–11:00Common findings
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Common findings (continued)
11:45–12:53Readiness plan
12:53–14:00Mock inspection

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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