Kourosh Samini, Director at supply chain software specialist Kinaxis, emphasizes the critical role of AI in addressing pharmaceutical supply chain challenges.
Brexit and the Pandemic: A Double-Edged Sword
The pharmaceutical sector in the UK is facing significant supply chain challenges due to the pandemic and Brexit. These issues have created a ripple effect, impacting manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers, and patients.
Samini explains that Brexit and the pandemic have compounded pressure on the supply chain by creating new regulatory obstacles and exacerbating delays in the import and export process. The UK continues to face medication shortages, a situation that began post-Brexit and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Widespread Challenge
While the UK is particularly affected, this is not an isolated issue. Reports of drug shortages in Germany and strikes by French pharmacists highlight the global nature of the problem. The Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union has identified gaps in information, tools, and legal solutions that exacerbate the crisis.
Technological Solutions: AI to the Rescue
To combat these issues, the industry is increasingly turning to AI for its predictive capabilities. AI enables pharmaceutical companies to identify risks earlier, streamline manufacturing processes, and make informed decisions to mitigate drug shortages.
Samini notes that AI can alert companies to upcoming risks, allowing them to take actions such as increasing production, finding alternative suppliers, or strategically stockpiling medication.
Innovative Solutions for Complex Problems
Ongoing shortages affect a wide range of medications, impacting patients with conditions like epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. Kinaxis is addressing these challenges with its AI-powered supply chain orchestration platform, Kinaxis Maestro, which simplifies multi-year supply chain planning and provides a comprehensive digital view for maximum agility.
As the pharmaceutical industry navigates these challenges, the role of AI and innovative technologies will become increasingly crucial. With strategic implementation, AI can enhance supply chain efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and revolutionize medication delivery.
For more insights, visit Supply Chain Digital.
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