Types of reporting model are
Vertical = (report to the regulator / central system),
Horizontal = (share data with supply chain partners) or mixed between them.
1-Vertical Reporting (Central system)
Definition : Reporting serialization and supply chain events to a central authority or national system.
Who receives the data? → The government regulator / central repository.
Purpose: To give regulators end-to-end visibility of medicines in the supply chain, ensure compliance, and fight counterfeits.
Examples activities:
o Manufacturer reports new serial numbers to the national system.
o Wholesaler reports receiving and distributing products.
o Pharmacy reports dispensing or decommissioning products.
“report upwards to the authority.”
2-Horizontal Reporting (Trading partner)
Definition : Exchanging serialization and supply chain event data directly between trading partners (e.g., manufacturer → wholesaler → distributor → pharmacy).
Who receives the data? → The business partner you are trading with.
Purpose: To ensure data alignment and accuracy of shipments, avoid discrepancies, and verify products before they are passed to the next partner.
Examples activities:
o Manufacturer sends an EPCIS file with shipment data to the wholesaler.
o Wholesaler checks that the received serial numbers match what was shipped.
o Distributor confirms aggregation/de-aggregation with partners.
“report sideways to the next partner.”