This Takeda official thinks pharma 4.0 won't be optional much longer

November 20, 2024

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Gunter Baumgartner, Takeda's global head of engineering, discusses the necessity of digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing that Pharma 4.0 is evolving from a competitive advantage to an essential requirement. At Takeda, digital ecosystems, including AI, automation, and manufacturing execution systems (MES), are seen as critical to operational success and patient care. The company is investing in technologies like automated visual inspection (AVI) and aiming for 80% paperless manufacturing by 2026, reflecting a broader push toward efficiency and quality improvement.

Baumgartner highlights interoperability challenges, especially after Takeda’s acquisition of Shire, due to differing legacy systems. However, he stresses that overcoming these issues through strategic, case-by-case decisions is crucial for successful digital integration. He also encourages project leads to view novel technologies not as risks, but as opportunities for growth and leadership, even amidst initial challenges.

Looking forward, Takeda is exploring the potential of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and digital twins to enhance training, maintenance, and product quality. Baumgartner also notes the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in improving manufacturing processes, risk management, and logistics, with plans to expand their use across sites in the coming years.

The push for digital transformation has led to faster adoption of AI, robotics, and digital capabilities, with Takeda investing in training and innovation centers to ensure the company remains at the forefront of technological advancement. Baumgartner reflects on the past five years, noting that while transitioning from legacy systems is challenging, it is essential for the industry's future growth and for improving patient outcomes.