The pandemic has underscored the critical necessity for adaptability and scalability in pharma supply chains. Stakeholders now acknowledge more than ever the paramount importance of flexibility and adaptability in logistics operations to effectively navigate through fluctuating demand patterns and unforeseen disruptions.
In addition, the pandemic has also provided the opportunity for innovation within the cold chain, driving improvements in efficiency, reliability, and quality. Alongside significant developments like Internet of Things technologies, control towers transformation and transport management software, the industry has also had to innovate and scale to keep in step with the demands of novel modalities that require transportation at -70°C or even lower. Going forward, the industry is expected to use the learnings to strengthen its response capabilities and enhance supply chain resilience.
“The cool chain has significantly evolved, especially in light of the Covid pandemic, where its role continues to be indispensable in the delivery of temperature-sensitive products. It’s a crucial element of the supply chain for biologics, and the importance of its role really came under the spotlight amidst global Covid vaccine production and distribution efforts,” Will Robinson, LogiPharma’s Conference Director, said.
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Technology in the spotlight
Digital developments have certainly emerged as one of the central topics of discussion at LogiPharma in recent years, with an entire conference call dedicated to industry-wide digitalisation initiatives.
The logistics and pharmaceutical industry has identified that the only way to meet the growing demands of global supply chains is through the visibility and control that a wholly digitalised supply chain enables.
“In a survey, we conducted earlier this year, we found that overcoming data challenges is particularly central to the strategies of almost every producer out there. It’s the bedrock upon which all digital transformation initiatives in the industry are built,” Robinson explained.
“The need for visibility to be in real-time has skyrocketed. We asked 150 supply chain leaders if they currently gather real-time shipment data to help improve decision-making in their operations, and an overwhelming 97% gather on some, if not all, shipments.
“To put things into context, when I first started producing the event in 2018, the topic of whether the investment required for real-time tracking and visibility was still a hot one.
“Going back to the survey, there were no respondents whatsoever who did not have a plan to start digitalising processes and gathering data. In today’s fast-paced, connected world, digitalisation is an imperative across every stakeholder in the industry.” Digital developments have certainly emerged as one of the central topics of discussion at LogiPharma, with an entire conference call dedicated to industry-wide digitalisation initiatives.
“The industry has identified that the only way to meet the growing demands of global supply chains is through the visibility and control that a wholly digitalised supply chain enables.”
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Arena of opportunity
Events like LogiPharma serve as invaluable platforms for industry players to assess and respond to evolving customer expectations within the temperature-sensitive sector.
LogiPharma brings industry leaders from all aspects of the pharmaceutical and life sciences supply chain together – whether this be in medical devices, logistics or pharmaceutical product manufacture, the opportunities for insightful discussion are endless.
The ethos of LogiPharma is one of collaboration and industry-wide development. No company wishes to pass on information that gives away its competitive edge in the industry, and LogiPharma is not a platform for this. The supply chain is undoubtedly becoming an originator of competitive advantage in life sciences. However, there are enormous opportunities for pre-competitive collaboration, learning and industry-wide development.
“LogiPharma itself represents the opportunity for producers and their partners to share expertise, gather insights and benchmark on how others in the sector are approaching challenges and opportunities,” Robinson outlind.
“The event helps companies to collaborate, draw best practices, formulate roadmaps and triangulate their ‘north star’ for the years ahead, going back to the office afterwards with a fresh perspective.
“Every year we endeavour to bring healthcare professionals, customer and patient perspectives into the fray also, bridging the gap between the supply chain and the final recipient and driving collaboration that is focused on patient-centricity.
“The producers are themselves also customers, and events such as LogiPharma serve as a time and cost-effective way to assess the latest developments from service and solution providers, all in one place.
“Whether it be the latest sustainability initiatives from the world’s largest 3PLs and carriers, the most innovative packaging solutions coming into the market, or practical guidance and technological showcases around generative AI and digital twin technology, events such as these provide an opportunity to interact with every stakeholder across the industry in one place.”
