Logistical efficiency and technological innovation are the pillars of competitiveness in the pharmaceutical sector.

The pharmaceutical industry faces increasingly robust challenges in a highly regulated environment, constant digital transformation, and growing demand for operational efficiency. Facing these challenges, the pursuit of service excellence, ensuring timely deliveries, ... On time and in full (OTIF), and the optimization of technology investments, emerge as decisive factors for the sector's competitiveness, which, in 2023, generated R$142 billion in Brazil.

Striving for 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 achieving high OTIF levels.

While there is no specific data on OTIF deficits in the sector, companies implementing 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 forecastingUsing Artificial Intelligence and predictive analytics allows for the anticipation of consumption patterns, avoiding unnecessary stockpiling and supply disruptions.

• Supply chain improvementInvesting in strategic partnerships and digital integration between suppliers, distributors, and logistics operators reduces bottlenecks and improves the traceability of medicines.

• Automation and digitization of processesTools like 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 vector of transformation

Optimizing technology investments must be guided by a strategic vision, encompassing everything from organizational structure to data security and process automation. Some key areas deserve attention:

• Organizational structure and agile squadsAdopting agile methodologies and creating multidisciplinary squads increases innovation capacity and rapid response to market changes, allowing for greater efficiency in executing technology projects.

• Data platform and cloud computingUnifying data on robust and secure platforms, combined with cloud migration, allows for greater scalability, accessibility, and strategic insights based on data analysis.

• Cybersecurity as a priorityThe pharmaceutical industry handles sensitive and high-value information. Implementing strict security policies, including advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and employee training, is essential to mitigate cyber risks.

• Process automation and artificial intelligenceFrom chatbots for customer service to robotic process automation (RPA) for administrative tasks, AI has the potential to reduce operational costs and increase productivity.

The future of the pharmaceutical industry will be defined by companies' ability to balance technological innovation with operational efficiency. Those who successfully align technology investments with a pursuit of logistical excellence will be better positioned to meet challenges and offer a superior quality service. A commitment to innovation and digital transformation is not simply a competitive advantage, but an imperative for the survival and longevity of the business.