Life Sciences 4.0: Transforming Manufacturing Like Never Before

Life Sciences 4.0 empowers companies to harness information and analytics across the manufacturing value chain.

FREMONT, CA: The life sciences industry has a robust foundation of data collection and has embraced the Industry 4.0 approach before the concept breathed. It has been gathering data in global historian systems for over several decades. At present, almost every computer in the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing facility collects data, and the industry continues to complete projects to incorporate all of these devices and systems physically.

Life Sciences 4.0

Life Sciences 4.0 refers to new technology and techniques that allow smart, decentralized production with intelligent factories, integrated IT systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), scalable, highly integrated, and automated manufacturing systems. The new wave of technological developments will drive the next step of pharmaceutical development by using proven technologies and decision-making methods to increase efficiency, safety and minimize waste.

Digital Manufacturing

Life Sciences 4.0 empowers companies to harness information and analytics across the manufacturing value chain. By integrating Information Technology (IT) with Operations Technology (OT) and coupling this with the digital power of Industry of Things (IoT), systems and processes can be connected like never before, and key insight determined. 

Data can be exchanged seamlessly through all manufacturing layers by digital manufacturing to enhance smart decision-making and close the loop on business operations.

The Market

There is increasing interest among leaders and decision-makers in the pharmaceutical industry around Life Sciences 4.0. What needs to be addressed and understood by those who control advancement in the life sciences field is the potential of Life Sciences 4.0—it will change everything someday. When talking about Life Sciences 4.0, it is crucial to step away from discussions about semantic alternatives or gradual improvements. Instead, the industry must appreciate that it is about rethinking how the industry contemplates and developing systems, practices, and services that are completely different.

Today, pharmaceutical manufacturers are faced with an ever-present need to stay competitive in a market where product ranges are diversifying, creative start-ups are questioning the status quo, supply chain partners are becoming more integrated, and patients are more interested in their treatment decisions. Thus, realizing the promises of Life Sciences 4.0 will be the market differentiator for businesses competing in this environment.