Automation Technologies Revolutionizing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management

Nirav engaged in a conversation with the India Pharma Outlook magazine to inform about how automation technologies are revolutionizing SCM in the pharmaceutical sector. He is an experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the machinery industry. Nirav is Skilled in Business Planning, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Planning, Business Development, and Marketing Strategy. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) focused in Industrial & Operations Engineering from University of Michigan.

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by automation technologies reshaping supply chain management practices. In this dynamic landscape, warehouse automation companies are pivotal in assisting E-pharma companies in India to elevate their profitability and efficiency through innovative automation solutions. By focusing on key areas such as putaway and picking, omnichannel order fulfilment, packing and manifesting, sorting by courier partner, and inventory and data management, these companies are driving unprecedented improvements in the operational performance of E-pharma businesses.

Put Away & Picking Automation

Companies recognize the importance of optimizing putaway and picking processes in pharmaceutical warehouses. Advanced automation technologies such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), robotic picking solutions, and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) empower E-pharma companies to streamline their warehouse operations. AS/RS systems efficiently store and retrieve pharmaceutical products, maximizing storage space utilization and reducing picking times. Robotic picking solutions enhance accuracy and speed by automating the picking process, while AGVs autonomously transport goods, minimizing manual handling and improving overall efficiency.

Omnichannel Order Fulfillment

In today's digital age, E-pharma companies face the challenge of seamlessly fulfilling orders across multiple channels and addressing this challenge by implementing automated order fulfilment solutions, such as pick/put-to-light systems, voice-directed picking & putaway technologies, and automated conveyor systems. These technologies ensure that orders are processed efficiently, accurately, and promptly, regardless of the sales channel. By optimizing order fulfilment operations, they are Enabling E-pharma companies to meet the diverse needs of their customers while maintaining high service levels.

Packing & Manifesting Automation

Accuracy and compliance are paramount in pharmaceutical packaging and manifesting processes. To ensure error-free packing and manifesting operations, e-pharma companies can leverage automation technologies such as automated packaging machines, barcode scanning, and labelling systems. By automating these critical processes, e-pharma companies can improve product traceability, reduce packaging errors, and enhance regulatory compliance. This increases operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Sorting by Courier Partner

Efficient sorting and dispatching of pharmaceutical products to various courier partners are essential for timely deliveries. E-pharma companies are implementing automated sorting systems that categorize packages based on destination, courier partner, or delivery priority. By automating sorting processes, e-pharma companies can expedite order fulfilment, minimize shipping errors, and optimize logistics operations. This ultimately leads to improved customer service and loyalty.

Inventory & Data Management

Effective inventory and data management are fundamental to E-pharma companies' success. They are integrating automation technologies such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), barcode scanning, and advanced data analytics into warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms. These technologies provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, track product movements, and generate actionable insights for inventory optimization and demand forecasting. By harnessing the power of automation in inventory and data management, E-pharma companies can make informed decisions, reduce stockouts, and improve inventory accuracy.

In conclusion, the automation industry is at the forefront of leveraging automation technologies to transform the pharmaceutical supply chain management of e-pharma companies in India. The innovative automation systems provided handle the complexities of small product size, fragile handling, expiry date management, and return management well. They also enable E-pharma businesses to enhance their profitability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, driving increased sales.