Digital transformation is upon us, with advances in networked digital solutions and data analytics presenting a wealth of opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry to accelerate the pace of science.
Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the power of connected digital technologies for maintaining and enhancing research, manufacturing, and supply chain productivity in the face of unprecedented disruption. Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have been particularly effective catalysts for innovation during the pandemic, with several high-profile initiatives utilizing these important digital tools. The National Institutes of Health, for example, last year launched the AI-focused Medical Imaging and Resource Center to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of COVID-19 patients, while Amazon Web Services introduced CORD-19 Search, a machine learning powered website designed to help researchers quickly access COVID-19-related research papers and information.
With the pharmaceutical sector under continued pressure to shorten timelines and improve efficiency, many organizations are looking at how digital transformation can help them turn their data into a strategic asset. Ahead of our webinar on this important aspect of digital transformation, we explore in this blog how pharmaceutical companies are using laboratory orchestration engines to enhance innovation, collaboration, productivity, and resource efficiency.
Digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry
Automation, networked digital solutions, and other exponential technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the pharmaceutical pipeline. From advanced robotics and next-generation sequencing techniques through to 3D printing and multi-parameter sensors, high-tech solutions are unlocking new opportunities for drug discovery and enabling work to be performed faster, more efficiently, and on a previously unimaginable scale. Furthermore, by supporting increased precision and accuracy, many of these innovations are helping pharmaceutical companies benefit from enhanced quality and consistency across research, development, and manufacturing.
At the same time, improvements in the speed and affordability of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics are helping pharmaceutical organizations draw on large datasets to optimize processes, drive efficiencies, and boost productivity. In research, for example, these powerful digital enablers are finding new connections in data to accelerate drug discovery. Meanwhile, across manufacturing, these solutions are helping the industry optimize supply chains to reduce costs and delays, and predict when instruments require maintenance to minimize unscheduled downtime.
Each of these systems is capable of impressive results when used in specific components of the pharmaceutical value chain. However, when connected together in a single integrated ecosystem, their transformative potential reaches a whole new level.
Laboratory orchestration engines: Creating a connected ecosystem
For many pharmaceutical companies, the first step towards establishing a connected laboratory environment has been to centralize their data and processes using digital solutions such as laboratory information management systems (LIMS), scientific data management systems (SDMS), electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN), and laboratory execution systems (LES).
While these systems have an important role to play in achieving robust data management, larger organizations often find that more complex platform architecture is required to truly integrate the data held within research, development, clinical, and manufacturing settings. This is especially true when it comes to integrating technologies and services from multiple vendors, which can create barriers to efficient collaboration.
To break down these silos and unlock the full potential of their data, many large pharmaceutical organizations are now focused on further data transformation, driven by laboratory orchestration engines. Laboratory orchestration engines are comprehensive platform solutions that utilize transformational data layers to connect people, services, equipment, and consumables, regardless of vendor. It is this powerful ability to bridge the gap between separate systems that distinguishes platform technologies from traditional integrated LIMS offerings.
Taking the next step on the digital transformation journey
While data silos are easily created – often through the implementation of point-based solutions, mergers and acquisitions, and even organizational inertia – breaking them down takes considerable effort and strategic planning. As a result, integrating people, technologies, and processes across the length and breadth of the pharmaceutical value chain can be a significant undertaking.
Many organizations find it difficult to dedicate the time and resources needed to unpick the complexity of digital silos and connect legacy systems in a way that will support future business growth. Identifying the right laboratory orchestration engine to make full use of the opportunities offered by advanced analytics such as AI, blockchain, and machine and deep learning, requires specific subject matter expertise and extensive research. At the same time, any solutions implemented must support regulatory compliance across research, development, and manufacturing, and ensure data is stored and handled in accordance with the highest standards of data integrity. So, what’s the best approach?
Navigating the complexity with a trusted partner
To navigate this complex landscape and successfully execute on a digital transformation strategy, it is important to find a knowledgeable technology partner who will work with you to implement the right digital solution for your needs.
Thermo Fisher Scientific has extensive experience in developing digital solutions to connect disparate software systems and instruments, and has made it a priority to ensure that its customers are enabled to reach their highest potential. The company offers a suite of digital capabilities enabling organizations to orchestrate and automate workflows, store data from multiple business systems in one location, monitor experiments in real time, and completely visualize and manage data. In this way, the platform enables businesses to enhance innovation, collaboration, productivity, and resource efficiency across the full length of the pharmaceutical pipeline.
Don’t miss out – Register for the webinar today!
With many forward-thinking organizations turning to laboratory orchestration engines to maximize the benefits of digitalization throughout the value chain, executing on a digital strategy is more important than ever before.
To learn more about how laboratory orchestration engines are accelerating scientific research and streamlining pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, register for The Journey to a Digitally Transformed Laboratory webinar.
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