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Barcode scanners are light emitting devices that are used to read barcodes. Usually attached to a computer or laptop via PS2 or RS-232, the data

According to USFDA, a combination product is one composed of any combination of a drug and device; biological product and device; drug and biological product

collected is stored on a computer for processing or storage. It is now used in many different industries such as retail or production.

They have

; or drug, device, and biological product and fixed dose combination would include two or more combinations of drug.

Examples of combination products may in

been on the market for many years now with new versions of barcode scanners available every year. The prices can vary from as low as $50.00 to a

lude drug-coated devices, drugs packaged with delivery devices in medical kits, and drugs and devices packaged separately but intended to be used together.

s high as several thousand dollars. So how do you pick a good barcode scanner?

To answer that question, it is important you know there are 2 maj

here is enormous increase in the number of combination products entering the market in the recent years. Combination products have proven advantages but fixe

or classes of barcode scanners, image-based and laser-based. Image-based barcode scanners use a camera usually embedded in a barcode scanner. The

d dose combinations are still in the process of convincing regulatory authority on their advantages over the single ingredient formulations.

Combination pro

camera will capture the images and then processed by complex image techniques to decode the barcodes. Laser-based barcode scanners uses mirrors

ucts have become life saving products for the pharmaceutical companies who doesn’t have many innovative molecules in their product pipeline and have been inc

and lenses to read the barcodes.

Laser barcode scanners are usually more expensive than image-based scanners. They have their own pros and cons.

easingly used in the product life cycle management. Even the companies having product patents are trying to extend their product life cycle through the combi

An image-based barcode scanner do not have internal movable parts therefore are more resistant to drops or knocks than laser barcode scanners. A

nation products and maximize the revenues. But the companies involved in this practice are overlooking that they are burdening the patients both economically

lso, image-based barcode scanners have a shorter scanning distance (4 to 10 inches) compared to laser barcode scanners. On the other hand, laser

and physically. They need to rightly judge the benefits of the combination products and they have to even look at the risks involved when combining the produ

scanners are more prone to wear and tear due to their lenses. They not only have a longer scanning distance (up to 24 inches) but also are able t

ts. Some of the combination products were well accepted by physicians while others suffered. Companies involved in development of combination products are fi

o scan from a wider angle from the barcode.

Be aware that the scanning distance for both image-based and laser barcode scanners have already imp

ding difficulty in defining their combination products and facing various challenges from selecting a combination to marketing it.

Following aspects would a

roved dramatically over the years and I wouldn’t be surprised if a barcode manufacturer claims an image-based scanner has a scanning distance of

dd to the challenges in developing combination products:

Which markets to tap where the combination products can do fairly well?
Which combination prod

24 inches.

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself before getting a barcode scanner. The size of scanner required? Type of environment

cts are meaningful and rational?
Which therapeutic categories to select?
Which Combinations can address unmet needs of the patients?
Do combin

the barcode scanner will be using (outdoors, shop, warehouse)? The scanning distance required? Are they to be used hands free or hand-held? Your

tions increase the patient compliance?
What would be the developing cost?
How to tackle the risks encountered during combination product developmen

budget?

So my suggestion is if you need a barcode scanner for long range scanning, get a laser barcode scanner. For short range scanning, use an

t?

As combination products don't fit into the traditional categories of drugs, medical devices, or biological products, the USFDA is in the process of devel

image-based barcode scanner such as a CCD barcode scanner. The environment as I asked earlier also plays an important part. If the barcode scann

ping new procedures for reviewing their safety, efficacy and quality.

Professional from academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, health care indust

er is being used outdoors or in rugged environments where it is expected to take a drop or knock or two, then it is best to get an image-based ba

y and representatives from various regulatory agencies are working out to design the regulatory requirements for manufacture and sale of combination products

rcode scanner. If it were for example being used in a retail shop, then a laser barcode scanner would be the best choice.

There are such a wide

.

As there is an increasing trend of the combination products companies manufacturing such products should be able to tackle the problems involved in the de

variety of barcode scanners available that I just can’t explain completely in this article. If you are in doubt, consult the barcode manufacturer

elopment. They need to be wiser in analyzing the market trends and the regulatory requirements.

Companies that provide selfless information through particip

s such as symbol or metrologic who have sales consultants who are able to do an analysis of the type of barcode scanners needed by your business.

tion in industry events and feedback to regulatory authorities would be able to face the challenges and will be successful in developing combination products

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Incorporating in California is one of the best ways to protect personal assets from creditors and litigators. By operating a business as an incorporated entity in California, the risk of entangling in lawsuits can be diminished. The chances for having an IRS audit can be lowered. Business operating losses may also be deducted.

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