| Greg Tanner of Vocollect Europe discusses the possibility of gaining better visibility in the pharmaceutical pipeline via voice systems
In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has undergone vast transformation. Manufacturing innovation has led to a dramatic increase in the number and complexity of products. The regulatory landscape has changed beyond recognition; regulatory bodies try to retain control of the growing threat of bioterrorism and drug counterfeiting, and prices have been driven down by competition from generic drug sales and the increased negotiating power of managed-care providers.
With companies under more pressure than ever before to manage regulatory compliance, increase productivity and drive profit, the pharmaceutical supply chain has inevitably come under the spotlight. Recent studies (Streamlining Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Distribution While Preparing for a More Complex Future – IBM Business Consulting Services whitepaper) have shown that supply chain operations can cost over one third of revenues and require about fifty per cent of total head count. Furthermore, one of the main reasons for drugs not launching on time is the readiness of the supply chain.
To keep pace with such a competitive and challenging market, pharmaceutical companies can no longer afford to carry the inefficiencies that have too often characterised the manufacturing supply chain. New and innovative ways of streamlining operations and improving control over process efficiency are required to ensure a more accurate and responsive supply chain. |
