How Will Laboratory 4.0 Affect Pharmaceuticals?

The concept of Laboratory 4.0 brings a new wave of technological advances to pharma-manufacturing. Over the next few years, real-world cases of its implementation will rise, bringing a boost in productivity and efficiency in modern laboratories.

What is Laboratory 4.0?

The term Laboratory 4.0 covers the implementation of automation systems and digitalisation within lab environments. Some companies are already using 4.0 innovations. But, it will play a role in everything from planning and networking to improving systems and efficiency in the future.

Investment in these technologies is needed to realise the full potential in company operations. However, planning and agility will also underpin a business's ability to adapt as technology evolves.

With this in mind, laboratories will typically utilise three main pathways of technological evolution, which include:

Digitalisation

Teams use real-time data in a digitally enabled laboratory and mainly carry out testing onsite. The transition to this setup goes from manual input and verification methods to automatic transcription between lab equipment and a central management system.

This lab environment is mainly paperless and uses advanced IT systems to support data capture and analysis. Data scientists and engineers also support lab teams.

The technology for a digitally enabled lab is readily available and helps to improve productivity.

Automated lab facilities

An automated laboratory incorporates the use of robots or advanced equipment to automate repeatable tasks. It’s well-known mundane tasks take up valuable time in a clinical researchers day. But with automation, this is reduced considerably.

There are typically significant productivity improvements with this style of lab, as automation can improve the efficiency of sample taking, delivery and preparation. This also provides cost savings.

Automation in labs is becoming more prevalent, but some investments are not always cost-effective. However, developments in systems and technologies in this area will soon offer a natural step in lab evolution.

Quality control

Traditional ways of undertaking quality control are time-consuming and less efficient. However, with the introduction of artificial intelligence at QC facilities, testing can take place on the production line.

There are some challenges in this area due to regulations and approval requirements. However, companies will need to collaborate further in the R&D space to optimise quality control processes and filing obligations to make the transition smoother. 

At present, this technology is not available to all labs. Companies will also need specialised engineers to maintain and enhance automated systems.

The future for pharma-manufacturing

Naturally, costs and investment will increase as new technology comes into play. However, with strong strategy and foresight, this new era for pharma-manufacturing could provide a positive return for all labs.