The 6th Annual Pharma Manufacturing and Automation Convention 2024 took place in Hyderabad

The 6th Annual Pharma Manufacturing and Automation Convention 2024 took place on October 17th and 18th at the Hotel Westin Mindspace in Hyderabad. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of intelligent manufacturing and automation in the pharmaceutical sector.

Chairperson K. Kulbhushan highlighted the significant transformations currently shaping the industry. He stressed the importance of analy- zing future trends through data and predictive analysis, particularly given the challenges posed by a partially trained workforce and the unplanned adoption of new technologies.

One of the prominent sessions focused on the role of critical thinking in driving change. Participants examined key characteristics of effective critical thinking, including analytical thinking, objectivity, and open-mindedness. These skills are vital for making informed decisions and navigating complex information, and fostering a culture of critical thinking can enhance operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with regulations.

A key highlight of the convention was a session on Körber's PAS-X, which is revolutionizing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Presenters Dhanu Devaray and Sudhir Pimpale discussed how this technology improves production speed and quality by addressing data integrity challenges, offering insights into how better understanding of MES can lead to substantial operational gains.

Networking opportunities were abundant, allowing attendees to connect and share insights on new technologies that are reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. These interactions proved beneficial for participants seeking to make informed decisions about potential partnerships and advancements.

Regulatory compliance was another major topic, with Suveer Shrivastava leading a session on the latest FDA and EU guidelines regarding AI and machine learning in the pharmaceutical sector. This discussion underscored the necessity for companies to remain aware of regulatory changes as they progress toward digital transformation.

Case studies were integral to the convention, particularly one that focused on cost efficiency in pharma manufacturing. Ramkumar Essaki presented examples of organizations that successfully optimized costs while maintaining patient safety, illustrating the financial challenges that many companies encounter despite technological advancements.

As discussions unfolded, a panel moderated by Sandeep Majumdar addressed the pressing challenges faced by pharmaceutical manufacturers today. The panel focused on the impact of an undertrained workforce on business performance and explored strategies for enhancing profitability without sacrificing quality or compliance.

The convention wrapped up with a lightning session, where experts clarified common misconceptions related to digitization, compliance, and data governance. This engaging interaction provided attendees with valuable insights to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

In summary, the convention highlighted the obstacles and opportunities within the pharmaceutical sector. With a commitment to embracing change and investing in effective strategies, the industry is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape successfully.