Industrial Automation Magazine India

Digital technologies play a pivotal role in AI enhancing visibility and efficiency

Published on : Monday 04-12-2023

Vimal Manchanda, Chief Operating Officer, Samvardhana Motherson Health Solution Limited (SMHS).

What are the key digital technologies that are driving the transformation of the pharmaceutical supply chain?

In the intricate landscape of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, countering counterfeiting and navigating regulatory intricacies are paramount challenges. Maintaining optimal temperature for sensitive products and ensuring timely access to medications further amplify the complexity. Companies recognise the imperative of building resilience and adaptability into their supply chains, responding to evolving dynamics. Digital technologies play a pivotal role, with blockchain combating counterfeiting, IoT and sensors ensuring temperature control, and AI enhancing visibility and efficiency. Advanced analytics, powered by AI, refine inventory management, mitigating risks of shortages or overstocking and minimising expiration concerns. Machine learning and AI modelling delve into process mining, addressing regulatory complexities with precision, ushering in a new era of pharmaceutical supply chain management.

 

How are pharmaceutical companies leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence for drug discovery and development?

Traditionally, drug discovery, a multi-phase and resource-intensive process, faces prolonged timelines and high failure rates, often attributed to efficacy issues in clinical trials. Today with underlying data set available, ML modelling and utilisation of AI, empowered by immense datasets, predictive modelling is overcoming complex challenges. It further supports the identification of potential drug candidates, significantly accelerating the traditionally time-intensive discovery phase and also improving success rates. NLP (Natural Language Processing) is playing a significant role in drug discovery by extracting valuable insights from a vast amount of biomedical texts and literature.

 

What challenges do pharmaceutical companies face when implementing digital transformation initiatives, and how can these be overcome?

As industries surge towards digital transformation, a myriad of challenges emerges on the path to harnessing the full potential of technology. Critical prerequisite for digital transformation is Master Data (MDM), which stands as a linchpin in the realm of digital transformation; businesses are still struggling to build and maintain complete and accurate data across all touch points. Integrating new digital systems with existing infrastructure or equipment/instrument proves a complex task, raising concerns about interoperability challenges, security, and downtime. Employee skill and competency and further resistance to change become pivotal, demanding effective change management strategies to handle technological unfamiliarity. A strategic approach, encompassing thorough forward-looking planning, determining business values, continuous employee training, and collaboration, empowers businesses to successfully navigate the complexities of digital transformation, unlocking avenues for growth and innovation.

 

How is the adoption of telemedicine and digital health platforms influencing healthcare delivery in the pharmaceutical industry?

The integration of telemedicine and digital platforms marks a transformative era in the pharmaceutical industry, notably reshaping healthcare delivery. A key impact is seen in remote patient monitoring, where mobile apps and online resources allow pharmaceutical companies to remotely track patient data and foster active patient involvement. These platforms, extending beyond medication adherence, serve as channels for patients to share experiences and preferences, contributing to a patient-centric approach. Providing real-time insights into medication effectiveness enables informed adjustments to treatment plans, enhancing patient care and offering a comprehensive understanding of medication outcomes. This integration stands as a cornerstone in advancing the paradigm of personalised medicine.

 

What regulatory considerations and compliance challenges do pharmaceutical companies encounter during their digital transformation journey?

The regulatory agencies expect digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry to elevate regulatory standards, operational efficiency, and innovation. Emphasizing data integrity and security, these agencies encourage the adoption of electronic submissions, reinforcing transparency and traceability. Central to these challenges is the imperative to safeguard data security and privacy in adherence to regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. Regulatory compliance in digitalised clinical trials demands meticulous adherence to Good Clinical Practice standards. The validation of digital systems, from software to algorithms, becomes a complex process requiring alignment with guidelines such as GAMP. Electronic documentations introduce challenges in meeting regulatory expectations for electronic signatures, data integrity, and audit trails. Adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is vital in the digitalisation of manufacturing processes. Change management and training pose compliance challenges, emphasizing the need for personnel competency. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive strategy to harmonise digital transformations with pharmaceutical industry standards and regulations.

 

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented.)

Vimal Manchanda is Chief Operating Officer, Samvardhana Motherson Health Solution Limited (SMHS). With over three decades of digital experience, Vimal's expertise spans over various technology solutions focusing on future-proofing business operations and the introduction of innovative and agile cloud-enabled IoT applications for product safety and business values. At SMHS, Vimal is responsible for the strategic, financial, and operational leadership for the company and spearheads the digital transformation drive building agile, nimble, and future enabled digital solutions to empower businesses. He has spent most of his career with the Motherson Group, the world's largest and fast-growing automotive components manufacturer and has also led the role of global CIO at Sun Pharmaceutical. Over the course of his career, Vimal has received many awards, including the Digitizing India Award.