The 2023 PDA Robotics and Automation Conference, which just concluded in Amsterdam, Netherlands, highlighted the significant new value and promise of advanced technologies, robotics, automation and digitization across the pharmaceutical value chain from clinical to manufacturing to distribution, and for all sectors including small and large molecule and medical device. Conference presentations and panels highlighted many examples where robotics, automation, digital twins, advanced automation and artificial intelligence technologies have been used to create and demonstrate paradigm shifting value. There were also complimentary presentations that focused on critical dimensions for successful adoption of new technologies including culture and green sustainability. Finally, the conference focused on contemporary trends in regulatory and compliance and on the new strategies, guidances and direction being put into place by the EMA and FDA and open think-tank organizations in order to connect organizations, clarify new ways of thinking and promote adoption of new technologies across the industry. Leadership, culture, organization digital fluency and skillsets, data ownership, data quantity and quality and cross-functional teamwork all resonated as common themes throughout the presentations, panel discussions and informal conversations.
The intertwining of topics at the conference clearly highlighted that a successful digitization journey requires that companies adopt specific technology driven data strategies within each area of the value chain and underpin these with multi-dimensional adoption programs that focus on people, processes, systems, quality and culture.
Successful adoption of advanced robotics, automation and AI will require a strong leadership vision and a focus on building technology fluency across the organization, establishing the needed levels of data quantity and quality, redefining how to maintain compliance and quality amidst an explosion in digital information, managing the expanding quantities of digital data and external partners in the supply chain, redefining how to demonstrate regulatory compliance, and assuring data integrity compliance by managing risk and building data integrity by design. Successful companies will unlock new business and patient value, position themselves favorably with regulatory agencies, and establish their reputation as data driven and digital technology leaders amongst their peers in the industry.
