The pharmaceutical industry faces increasingly robust challenges in a scenario of high regulatory demands, constant digital transformation, and a growing demand for operational efficiency. In the face of these challenges, the pursuit of excellence in service level, ensuring “on time and in full” (OTIF) deliveries, and the optimization of technology investments emerge as determining factors for sector competitiveness that, in 2023, reached a turnover of R$ 142 billion in Brazil.
The pursuit of on-time delivery is not just a matter of customer satisfaction, but a competitive advantage. The alignment between demand planning, inventory management, and logistics processes becomes essential to achieve high levels of OTIF.
Although there are no specific data on the OTIF deficit in the sector, companies implementing lean manufacturing practices and global production strategies have shown improvements in indicators such as inventory levels, OTIF deliveries, and lead time reduction. 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 stocks, and supply shortages.
- Enhancement of the supply chain: Investing in strategic partnerships and digital integration among suppliers, distributors, and logistics operators reduces bottlenecks and improves drug traceability.
- Automation and digitalization of processes: Tools like logistics control towers, IoT (Internet of Things), and blockchain enable greater visibility and control over the product flow, minimizing errors and ensuring deliveries.
Technology as a vector of transformation
The optimization of technology investments must be guided by a strategic vision, encompassing everything from organizational structure to data security and process automation. Some key fronts deserve highlight:
- 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 the execution of technology projects.
- Data platform and cloud computing: Data unification on robust and secure platforms, combined with migration to the cloud, enables greater scalability, accessibility, and strategic insights based on data analysis.
- Cybersecurity as a priority: The pharmaceutical sector deals with 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 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 sector will be defined by companies’ ability to balance technological innovation with operational efficiency. Those who can align technology investments with the pursuit of logistical excellence will be better positioned to face challenges and provide superior quality service. Commitment to innovation and digital transformation is not just a competitive advantage but imperative for the survival and longevity of the business.
