Is automation needed in the pharmaceutical industry?
Though traditionally, the pharmaceutical industry depended totally on manual operations, they have evolved, and the necessity of automation has slowly emerged. Pharma logistics can help in warehousing pharmaceutical products very carefully at affordable rates. The businesses which have failed in introducing automation will fall behind, and their process may take years instead of weeks.
Advantages of Automation in the Pharmaceutical Sector
Here are some of the notable benefits of automation in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Accuracy:When you have automated equipment, mixing, stirring, pouring, filling, and all other activities related to liquid medicines can be done accurately instead of doing any repetitive manual tasks, which can become boring after some time. When you do not find interest in work, the chances of mistakes become more. Thus human error can be eliminated, and products can be manufactured accurately.
- Efficiency:Machines can easily run 24-hour production cycles, and therefore efficiency can be increased. Repetitive tasks that can be difficult for humans to continue for 24 hours can easily be automated with an easy installation process.
- Return On Investment:As production is faster with improved product quality and saving energy, the return on investment can be achieved faster too.
- Analytics:For analyzing the market trends, the use of analytics can be helpful. Accurate forecasting can be helpful with advanced data analytics. The ASRS automated storage can, therefore, not need a huge investment as you can store whichever products are required to do so.
- Visibility:From sourcing of the materials to delivery of the products, every step can be tracked easily with the help of automated services. RFID technologies, workflow management, and electronic batch records can help in tracking the processes accurately.
- Less Contamination:As human contact is less, the risk of contamination is almost nil. The production and the handling process remain hands-free and automated to maintain the quality of the products.Application Of Automation in the Pharmaceutical Sector:
- Encapsulation (the process of filling within capsules)
- Liquid dosing( For manufacturing of liquids like syrup)
- RFID labeling ( monitoring of products with a quality management system)
- Inspection, packaging, and filing
- Airport freight automation of pharmaceutical products
- Delivery processes of drugs
- Sortation and conveyor systems
Conclusion:
To achieve a greater competitive advantage, automation can be applied in the pharmaceutical industry. Robotic solutions are flexible and can be more efficient during challenging times or pandemics. With the manufacturing process, the distribution services can be done smoothly with the help of automation. As human contact is reduced, contamination can also be controlled during the manufacturing process.
ALS Logistic Solutions, being experienced in the industry, offers the best Logistics Consultancy services with a focus on Planning, Design, and Development.