The Digital Lab

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!