After the acquisition of Pharmacontrol Electronic GmbH (PCE) by Mettler-Toledo, PCE is expanding the reach of its track and trace technologies in Europe, the US and Asia.

With the integration of PCE’s track and trace solutions into the Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection portfolio, existing PCE customers and pharmaceutical manufacturers across the world now have access to a comprehensive range of quality assurance technologies, compliant with the latest industry regulations, from one source. Additionally, customers have access to a wider global service network, with support from Mettler-Toledo and PCE engineers.

The expanded global access to PCE’s track and trace technologies comes at a beneficial time as industry regulations surrounding counterfeiting are becoming increasingly stringent. New directives on serialisation technologies are coming to fruition in the EU and in the US in the next two to four years, and more stringent standards are also expected in China and India. PCE’s serialisation technologies can help pharmaceutical manufacturers meet these regulations and combat the rise in counterfeit drugs.

PCE provides a comprehensive track and trace solution for every step of the packaging line including full aggregation and enterprise system connectivity. Products include the Datamatrix XMV, Advanced Bundle, Shipping, Manual Aggregation and Bottle Serialisation Stations, as well as its Pilot Line and Pilot Site Manager software. These modular and standardised systems mark all units as they move through production, including single cartons, bottles and vials, bundles, shipping cases and ready-to-ship palettes, to ensure traceability and compliance with industry regulations. PCE’s systems can be scaled up to meet future changes in legal requirements and are easily integrated into manufacturing operations. Meeting exacting requirements for accuracy, reliability and speed of operation, PCE’s track and trace solutions allow a high level of control and productivity on pharmaceutical lines. This is achieved through the turnkey solutions that PCE offers from pre-project engineering, database and machinery assembly, and on site documentation and validation, to line integration, quality inspection and post-sales service and support. Additionally, PCE provides a global IT infrastructure with a range of serialisation machinery for optimum efficiency and control.

Oliver Wyrsch, deputy general Manager and head of software development, PCE said, “We at PCE are proud to be part of the Mettler-Toledo network.  Our 20-year history of pharmaceutical industry expertise and state-of-the-art track and trace technology coupled with Mettler-Toledo’s extensive global reach and service capabilities presents a win-win for our global customers – easier access to an even wider range of advanced quality assurance technologies and services”.

Mettler-Toledo develops, produces and sells precision instruments worldwide. Other brands in Mettler-Toledo’s Product Inspection division include Mettler-Toledo Safeline metal detection and x-ray inspection systems, Garvens Checkweighing, and CI-Vision vision inspection systems. PCE operates as an independent brand within the group, with a product range that complements the company’s existing production inspection portfolio.

Founded in 1989, Pharmacontrol Electronic GmbH (PCE) specialising in track and trace solutions, offers intelligent optical inspection systems that provide the highest possible safety for procedures in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. PCE is a Mettler-Toledo company.