Navigating the top challenges in the pharmaceutical supply chain: From digital to data, execs from Johnson & Johnson and TriLink Biotechnologies provide resilience insight

Welcome to the executive summary of the one-of-a-kind, 2023 LogiPharma Playbook, containing the latest insights and trends from the pharmaceutical supply chain industry. In this year's playbook, we have expanded our research to include 200 heads of supply chain and other senior figures from across Europe to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they have been facing and the innovative solutions they are implementing. All of the topics covered in the playbook will also be featured at the LogiPharma 2023 event. Download the event agenda now to learn more about what LogiPharma 2023 has in store.

“The digitalised supply chain has become a mainstay of the industry, and the sheer quantity of data being managed and analysed has grown exponentially. As a result, the culture of organisations and the skill sets of the individuals they are made up of, have needed to transform in step.”

Will Robinson, Conference Director, LogiPharma 2023

Part One of this year's blockbuster playbook discusses how heads of supply chain are attaining digital data and digital maturity. From automation to a culture of data science, heads of supply chain are turning to digitisation to overcome visibility and optimisation challenges.

The crucial topic of quality assurance and operational resilience, which has become increasingly critical in 2023, will also be explored, particularly with the recent macro events which continue to cause delays and congestion. As supply chain leaders grapple with these challenges, maintaining resilience in logistics has emerged as a top priority. Our survey results show almost all respondents (95%) are confident in their organisation's ability to perform well in these areas, which suggests the methods uncovered in the Playbook are leading to success.

Part One of the playbook will conclude with an in-depth analysis of the pharmaceutical supply chain's adoption of simulation-based risk management practices, as the pharma industry looks to tackle the most significant risks that are anticipated over the next 12 months. Despite the growing adoption of this technology, our research reveals insufficient data analytics capabilities are preventing organisations from adopting the technology in ways that can fully drive decision-making and risk mitigation.

“You really have to invest in solutions and processes both up and down stream. The ROI on investing in solutions that provide a better-quality product or service to the customer will far outweigh ignoring it or cutting corners.”

Peter Stolba, Vice President, Business Operations and Supply Chain, Trilink Biotechnologies

Part Two of the 2023 LogiPharma Playbook will assess how heads of supply chain are continuing the improvements that have been made over several years by focussing on digital innovation. In this chapter, we will be uncovering why digital supply chain attributes must help organisations to overcome challenges surrounding collaborating with suppliers. We will also be exploring which capabilities should be targeted, based on the key supply chain challenges that our results have highlighted.

“You can always improve, and as the market continues to be volatile, having a digital supply chain that excels in visibility, data analytics, tracking, and automation is our best shield against external threats.”

Stefano Chiei, Director Operations EMEA/EE, Advanced Bionics

With geo-political tensions causing delays, congestions, and shortages across the global supply chain, Part Two will look at how heads of supply chain are combatting the newfound threats while the long-term impacts of the pandemic begin to be realised. Finally, the Playbook will be looking at how carrier networks are being evaluated and optimised to maintain a resilient and agile pharmaceutical supply chain. Again, data analytics - a key topic throughout the Playbook - is critical in supporting the evaluation and optimisation of carrier networks.

“Certainly, in cell therapy, I think we still have room to improve our automation capabilities and it should help us to deliver speed and quality. Automation could, for example, help products move faster through quality assurance by alleviating bottlenecks.”

Ingrid Marchal-Gérez, EMEA Cell Therapy Commercial Operations Lead, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

This year’s Playbook is sponsored by 7bridges, Oliver Wight, One Network Enterprises, and Kuehne+Nagel, who will be bringing key insights on the findings in the Playbook.

We will also be featuring expert insights from industry leaders from organisations such as Johnson & Johnson, Trilink Biotechnologies and Advanced Bionics. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable insights and expertise from more than 200 supply chain leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.

By registering your interest, you will be among the first to receive the 2023 LogiPharma Playbook, which features the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry. Uncover the latest LogiPharma insights now.