Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Transformation From Strategy to Shopfloor

The pharmaceutical industry is continuing to move from digital planning toward connected manufacturing operations, with regulatory data integrity, process visibility, traceability and manufacturing costs remaining key implementation challenges. AUTOMA+ 2026 will examine how pharmaceutical companies are addressing these issues through manufacturing execution systems, automation and performance management.

Digital execution in pharmaceutical manufacturing
Industry data published by ISPE indicates that 90% of organisations are undergoing some form of digital transformation. Recent implementations illustrate the transition from paper-based processes to digital manufacturing environments.

In 2025, Polpharma began a multi-site implementation of Siemens’ Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to digitalise production reporting, improve process transparency and strengthen quality control across its manufacturing network. Sanofi has also been scaling its MARS programme, replacing paper-based batch records with digital manufacturing processes.

These implementations demonstrate how MES and related digital systems can connect production activities with manufacturing data, supporting reporting, traceability and quality processes.

From strategic objectives to shopfloor execution
A continuing challenge is translating digital transformation objectives defined at management level into operational activities on the factory floor. This requires performance management frameworks that connect strategic targets with shopfloor processes and provide visibility into operational performance.

Automation introduces another consideration: selecting applications where automated handling, production control or data integration can provide operational value while maintaining appropriate controls for regulated manufacturing environments.

Leadership perspectives on manufacturing transformation
These topics will be discussed during the leadership panel at the Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitisation Congress (AUTOMA+) 2026, taking place on 16–17 November 2026 in Zürich, Switzerland.

The panel brings together executives and transformation leaders from pharmaceutical manufacturing, CDMO, automation and chemical industries. Participants include Ernst Schranz, CEO at GRITEC AG; Alissa Monk, Head of Sustainability at ten23; David Niedermaier, Co-CEO and Co-Founder at AGILOX Services GmbH; Mikko Kämäräinen, PMO & Operational Excellence Director at FinVector Oy; Sonja Peter, Global MES Project Manager at Bachem AG; and Markus Hartung, Vice President Region EMEA & Global Commercial Processes at Evonik.

Topics include digitalised production lines, automation of production processes, sustainability in CDMO selection, performance management, equipment and process data, and digital transformation across chemical value chains.

The leadership panel is structured around direct discussion between executives and transformation leaders rather than sequential presentations. AUTOMA+ is an annual industry event focused on practical transformation across the pharmaceutical sector, supported by GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG and Bachem AG.

Full programme: Automa puls 2026

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.automa.plus.com