With digital transformation, more and more data is ending up in the cloud. This is also the case in the digital laboratory of the future. With the move to cloud-based services such as the iLES platform, work processes are becoming faster, access to the stored data easier and research results easier to evaluate. However, the use of digital technology also brings with it completely new problem areas. Data sets from everyday laboratory life are not only of interest to laboratory employees - but also to an army of cybercriminals. That's why we don't want to focus on the iVention modules and the iLES platform today - but on the cyber security factor.
The implementation of a digital platform in the daily laboratory routine is expensive, time-consuming and cannot be managed without IT specialists. These are just some of the prejudices you hear about the digitalization of laboratories. But what is actually true about these prejudices? Is it really true that a digital platform - and its management - is more work than it is beneficial? Let's take a closer look at the iLES platform.
Pharma 4.0 - The Age of the Internet of Lab Things is Here
Big Data, process optimization, automation, data visualization or end-to-end digital processes: Pharma 4.0 is a multifaceted thing. Digitization in the pharmaceutical industry is rapidly gaining momentum. With the Corona Pandemic as both catalyst and turbo, more and more pharma companies are getting "smart". Scalable and expandable platforms, highly integrated laboratory information and management systems, and electronic lab books enable faster research results, facilitated communication, and optimized collaboration, even and especially across national borders.
Pharma 4.0: What does that actually mean?
Digitalization has plunged the world into the fourth industrial revolution. The term Industry 4.0 refers to this. While the first industrial revolution was characterized by steam power and the second industrial revolution by assembly lines and mass production, the 1970s saw the first appearance of computers to support manufacturing. Now, in the fourth industrial revolution, the computer is also indispensable - but the main player is the Internet. Digitally networked machines and systems and an immensely increased level of automation - that is Industry 4.0. And just as the Internet of Things (IoT) is turning industry upside down, this is also happening in the pharmaceutical sector. Pharma 4.0 therefore describes digital process changes that explicitly affect the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharma 4.0 affects all areas
The European pharmaceutical industry has already been "forcibly" digitized in 2019. Through the Falsified Medicines Directive, cloud systems, state-of-the-art software and communication platforms have been implemented in the pharmaceutical industry. From pharmacies to hospitals, from laboratories to logistics companies, all areas of the pharmaceutical cosmos are involved in digitalization - and in a highly regulated environment. The pharmaceutical industry can be called a role model in terms of digitalization without exaggeration!
We would like to know from you: How much does digitalization in the context of Pharma 4.0 influence your daily work? Is your workplace already networked - or do you still have concerns about the implementation of digitalization in your laboratory, pharmacy or contract manufacturing company? We look forward to your feedback and many constructive discussions!
The digital future of laboratory technology
The digital transformation has now turned countless production facilities around the world into smart factories. Industry 4.0 has become a buzzword that everyone can imagine, at least in part. Pharma 4.0, on the other hand, is largely unknown as a term - even though an incredible amount is happening in the pharmaceutical industry in terms of digitization. Advanced smart production methods, powerful data analysis and a high degree of automation are also high on the agenda in the pharmaceutical industry. Of course, manufacturing processes must also be optimized in the production of medicines or in research. After all, consistently high quality of products or research results, agile and efficient work, and a significant reduction in costs also play a key role in our laboratories for a future-proof, competitive design of everyday working life.
Pharma 4.0 - The future is now!
The "next generation" production methods of Pharma 4.0 enable completely new possibilities for laboratories. From 3D printing to additive manufacturing methods to fully automated workflows, highly productive systems are ready to reduce labor costs, offer new options in disease control, and make business decisions much easier. With all the advances, however, one factor must not be forgotten: People! Because even if processes are automated and networked apparatus and systems significantly simplify daily work, laboratory employees must of course also be included in the transformation process. The "interface" between technology and people is represented by ergonomically manageable, intuitively operable management systems. LIMS, the "Laboratory Information Management System", provides precisely the tools that link the advantages of the digital laboratory with the daily work routines of the employees. Easy data retrieval, automatic storage of data in the cloud for worldwide access, and paperless management are just a few of the many benefits of using LIMS in digital lab environments.
If you want to learn more about the fascinating benefits of Pharma 4.0, check back here regularly! Because in loose succession we will dedicate ourselves to the topic in detail! Or give us a call right now and let our experts advise you comprehensively, personally and of course without obligation on the digital future of the pharmaceutical industry!
We find them in nearly every laboratory - the data islands. In the course of the digital transformation, the data generated in our laboratories is spread across more and more systems, most of which are different. Where once a database and one or two Excel spreadsheets might have been used, a real ecosystem of different data sources has developed over the last few years. In laboratories around the world, these data islands consist not only of digitally generated data - but also of a whole lot of paper. Notes, file entries, experimental results are still often recorded on paper. Processing and managing the data islands means manual effort - and thus time that is missing for the actual tasks in the daily business of a laboratory.
With iLES, bridges are built. Bridges between the data islands generated in the laboratory! With iLES, working paperless via tablet computers on the web and in the cloud becomes a real game changer - transforming data from data islands into information that can be used throughout the entire company. iLES simplifies access to real-time information - while of course complying with legal requirements and data integrity at all times. iLES also saves time and costs, however, because the solution automates processes and reduces the amount of manual data processing. As iLES is vendor-neutral, the solution can turn any lab into a highly integrated, paperless environment.
So - let's build bridges together and make your lab ready for the demands of the future, too! Write to us, we will be happy to advise you in detail on the optimal strategy for the comprehensive digitization of your laboratory!Your blog post content here…