Matching the ‘right solutions’ with the ‘right approach’

Companies, though, face a complex and, in some respects, contradictory set of demands. On the one hand they have the opportunity to make significant investments in automation and process technology but, on the other hand, they face intense cost pressures. Drug development pipelines are drying out, pricing is under pressure and generic competition is more intense.

More than ever, investments must deliver the maximum benefit. Getting the choice of technology right is crucial. But, equally vital, is the right approach. Many companies approach projects in narrow technological terms, failing to look beyond the sensor at the wider business benefits. Scientific personnel, for example, will often restrict their calculation of gains to a comparison of current laboratory methods with the cost of a replacement analyser without looking at the much bigger gains to be achieved by fully closing the loop to achieve real time release of product and continuous manufacturing.

Siemens has considerable experience of the development of PAT and the move to continuous manufacturing operations. When we work with pharmaceutical companies, we encourage them to look outward. It is important, for example, to ensure that manufacturing investment is rooted in a clear manufacturing vision. Much can also be gained by looking at lessons from other industries, such as petrochemicals and food, where PAT is well established and where, like pharmaceuticals, Siemens works with many companies to match the right technology with the right approach.