Andrew Bray, managing director at software solutions provider K3, explores how enterprise resource planning (ERP) can help pharma manufacturers maintain their supply chains.
Supply chain
In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, 70% of pharmaceutical leaders have admitted their supply chain has been left open to risk. From implementing new processes and working with different suppliers, to maintaining production standards, there are a number of major challenges that come with the heightened level of activity in the creation of vaccines. To tackle these new considerations, manufacturers need to ensure their current technology, especially their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, is up to date to provide the best support. Failure to do so and remaining dependent on legacy ERP systems will leave the pharmaceutical supply chains ill-equipped to meet the increased numbers and quality demands – during the pandemic and beyond.
Steering clear of a single point of failure
When it comes to maximising the benefits of an up to date ERP system, manufacturers must ensure the right steps are taken from the very beginning. Specifically, with the relationship manufacturers have with their material suppliers. As evidenced by the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), a key hurdle pharmaceutical manufacturers need to overcome is being reliant on a single point of supply. The ability to remain agile in how, and by whom, materials are dispatched is critical to business success for manufactures. This is especially true as new challenges arise such as increased demands caused by the pandemic and possible border issues from new Brexit regulations. In sourcing items from multiple suppliers and potentially various locations, pharmaceutical manufacturers can successfully minimise risk and disruption to the supply chain and ensure demand for orders are met.