The pharmaceutical industry faces increasingly robust challenges in a scenario of high regulatory demands, constant digital transformation, and growing demand for operational efficiency. In the face of such challenges, the pursuit of service excellence, ensuring deliveries “on time and in full” (OTIF), and the optimization of technology investments emerge as determining factors for the sector’s competitiveness, which generated R$142 billion in revenue in Brazil in 2023.
The pursuit of on-time delivery is not just a matter of customer satisfaction but a competitive differentiator. Alignment between demand planning, inventory management, and logistical processes becomes essential to achieve high OTIF levels.
Although there are no specific data on the OTIF deficit in the sector, companies that implement lean manufacturing practices and global production strategies have shown improvements in indicators such as inventory levels, OTIF deliveries, and reduced lead times. To achieve this, some practices can be adopted:
- More accurate demand forecasting: The use of Artificial Intelligence and predictive analysis allows anticipating consumption patterns, avoiding unnecessary inventory and supply shortages.
- Supply chain enhancement: Investing in strategic partnerships and digital integration among suppliers, distributors, and logistics operators reduces bottlenecks and improves medicine traceability.
- Process automation and digitalization: Tools such as logistics control towers, IoT (Internet of Things), and blockchain enable greater visibility and control over product flow, minimizing failures and ensuring deliveries.
Technology as a driver of transformation
The optimization of technology investments should be guided by a strategic vision, encompassing organizational structure, data security, and process automation. Some key areas deserve attention:
- Organizational structure and agile squads: The adoption of agile methodologies and the creation of multidisciplinary squads increase innovation capacity and quick response to market changes, allowing greater efficiency in technology project execution.
- Data platform and cloud computing: Unifying data on robust and secure platforms, coupled with cloud migration, enables greater scalability, accessibility, and strategic insights based on data analysis.
- Cybersecurity as a priority: The pharmaceutical sector handles sensitive and high-value information. Implementing rigorous security policies, including advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and employee training, is essential to mitigate cyber risks.
- Process automation and artificial intelligence: From customer service chatbots to robotic process automation (RPA) for administrative tasks, AI has the potential to reduce operational costs and increase productivity.
The future of the pharmaceutical sector will be defined by companies’ ability to balance technological innovation with operational efficiency. Those that can align technology investments with the pursuit of logistical excellence will be better positioned to face challenges and offer superior quality service. The commitment to innovation and digital transformation is not just a competitive differentiator but an imperative for business survival and longevity.
