Transforming Pharma with Key Trends and Technologies at AUTOMA+ 2024

AUTOMA+ 2024 passed in Zurich, Switzerland on 18-19 November with main discussions centred around digital transformation through- out the pharmaceutical value chain from research and development to the supply chain. Central themes included AI advancements, sustainability efforts and collaborative strategies to address industry challenges. Delegates shared insights, networked and explored cut- ting-edge technologies driving the transfor- mation of the sector.

The Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitali- sation Congress (AUTOMA+) 2024 brought together over 290 professionals from leading pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Johnson&Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer, Novartis, Takeda and other key players across the whole value chain. The Congress was supported by esteemed partners: Novo Nordisk, ALMIRALL, PharmaLedger Association, Merck KGaA Darmstadt and ESTEVE. Over the two days, participants presented case studies and established new business connections and collaboration opportunities.

AUTOMA+ 2024 spotlighted the digital trends shaping the industry's future with an engaging panel called Leaders Talk, which combined expert insights and an open-format discussion. The session addressed the development of a patient-centric ecosystem, with conversations on digital solutions that enhance treatment adherence and support digital transformation. Key discussions included the role of connected medical devices, challenges in implementing omnichannel platforms and methods for sharing essential treatment details with patients. Panellists shared their perspectives in a podcast-style exchange, enriching the conversation with particular examples.

"Through tailored interventions, we seek to improve patients' understanding of their pathologies, conditions and treatment options, foster a sense of partnership with healthcare providers and enhance medication adherence", said Magali Moutte, Program Director at Servier Monde.

Another transformative tendency of the pharmaceutical sector discussed during the Congress was the usage of Artificial Intelligence. It was presented at the roundtable on the first day. Participants reviewed the benefits and challenges of AI implementation and automation tools, exploring advances in pharmaceutical research through machine learning and domain expertise, AI-enhanced eHealth ecosystems, automation in clinical and regulatory documentation and the organisation of unstructured data using Enterprise RAG and Agent Orchestration.

Waheed Jowiya, Digitalisation Strategy Lead at Novo Nordisk,  presented NovoScribe as an automated authoring platform. It used a combination of AI technologies and fosters a validated, and methodical approach to document creation. Speaker highlighted the positive impact of automation, stating: "By using it, CSRs have been finalised faster than ever before. The authoring time has been drastically reduced, with reports generated minutes after the final statistical output. Furthermore, the resources needed to write CSRs annually have been reduced by 80%."

Moreover, participants emphasised sustainability as a significant trend of the industry. In line with this, the second day of AUTOMA+ 2024 featured in-depth discussions on strategies for improving efficiency and sustainability, addressing the carbon footprint of medical laboratories, accelerating sustainable chemical solutions and analysing how values-based procurement can foster sustainability.

David Fernandez, Plant Director at ESTEVE, shared the case of successful implementation of the Electronic Batch Record (EBR), highlighting both the technical challenges overcome and the operational benefits achieved. "Digitalisation has made it possible to optimise chemical processes and ensure quality in production, through an innovative and data-driven approach."

In addition, a focused exhibition was held at AUTOMA+ 2024, where service providers and equipment manufacturers showcased their latest solutions. Among the exhibitors were  Schneider Electric, Sitecraft, Pavis Engineering, BizzMine BV, GRITEC AG, AmpleLogic, Bosch Building Technologies and other companies who demonstrated AI tools, software, packaging equipment and robotics devices.

The upcoming edition of AUTOMA+ has been officially announced and scheduled for 24-25 November 2025 in Vösendorf, Austria. This event marks the 5th anniversary of AUTOMA+, promising a series of special activities, including an informal networking gala dinner and participation in a grand lottery.