Future proofing production: Implementing AI in pharmaceutical manufacturing
While advances in drug development have accelerated dramatically in recent years, pharmaceutical manufacturing processes have struggled to keep pace – for a number of intertwined reasons. And AI adoption is not just an opportunity for improvement, but is becoming a competitive necessity.
From production lines struggling to adapt quickly to new product launches and dynamic supply planning, to quality control and quality assurance processes remaining largely manual and time-consuming, supply chains have also proven vulnerable to global disruptions, and the changing regulatory landscape only brings up further complexities to implement and scale AI.
The industry therefore needs widespread transformation to make pharmaceutical manufacturing more efficient, robust, and reliable.
AI can enable this, from top to bottom.
In a new white paper, ‘Future Proof Production: Implementing AI in pharmaceutical manufacturing’, Switzerland-based global transformation partner Zühlke and the University of St. Gallen address the challenges and serves as a guide to AI’s potential for transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. It provides a detailed overview of AI’s current and potential applications, and proposes practical guidance on implementing AI in a pharmaceutical manufacturing setting.
Inclusive of case studies from leading pharmaceutical companies, the white paper presents a process framework by which AI can be developed and validated in GxP-regulated environments. Indeed, the insights and recommendations presented in the white paper are grounded in academic research, and the practical experience of Zühlke and the University of St Gallen.
Essentially, ‘Future Proof Production: Implementing AI in pharmaceutical manufacturing’ identifies six key issues impacting the industry in 2025: quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) complexities; production inflexibility; workforce limitations; regulatory complexity; resource optimisation; and supply chain vulnerability. Each of the issues presents an opportunity for new technologies like artificial intelligence to help rethink, revamp, and revolutionise the way manufacturing processes are thought about.
Designed for pharmaceutical industry professionals looking to understand AI’s real-world potential in manufacturing and quality control – and how to successfully implement relevant solutions – the message is obvious: AI adoption in pharmaceutical manufacturing is not just an opportunity for improvement; it’s becoming a competitive necessity.
Read Zühlke’s new white paper, ‘Future Proof Production: Implementing AI in pharmaceutical manufacturing’ today for a greater understanding of why, where, and how AI can upturn traditional processes in the sector.
If you are interested in exploring this topic further, Zühlke will be hosting a panel discussion at the upcoming World Health Summit in Berlin, 12th-14th October, bringing together global health and industry experts to explore how pharmaceutical manufacturing can remain resilient amid geopolitical instability and rapid technological change.
About Zühlke
Zühlke is a global partner for transformation and innovation with deep roots in engineering. Clients rely on the company’s expertise to plan and develop their business of tomorrow. In doing so, Zühlke helps them work more efficiently today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Its multidisciplinary teams specialize in strategies around technology, business innovation, digital solutions and application services as well as device and systems engineering. Zühlke is particularly strong in highly complex, regulated industries such as finance and healthcare, where it supports clients in becoming more effective and resilient – with business strategy, technology, industry expertise, and capabilities for implementing and operating innovative solutions.
Founded in Switzerland in 1968, Zühlke remains partner-owned, with offices across Europe and Asia. Its venture capital service, Zühlke Ventures, provides funding for startups in the HealthTech sector.
