Towards a new approach to modelling pharmaceutical supply chains in a changing technological landscape

Abstract

In this paper we aim to bring a fresh perspective to modelling pharmaceutical supply chains. We do this in the context of the challenges currently faced by medicine manufacturers as they embrace industrial digitalisation, more complex, individualised and on-demand medicines, and new production technologies such as continuous manufacturing. While briefly summarising published research, this paper aims to highlight gaps between those aspects of a pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) that are typically modelled and those that emerge as the business landscape evolves. More specifically, we recognise that most reconfiguration opportunities arise from transformative technology interventions in medicine manufacturing - interventions that are often more patient-centric and offer new possibilities to integrate end-to-end delivery models. For both academics and practitioners, research findings suggest a systems view of modelling a PSC can give us a better way of conceptualising and evaluating alternative options for technologies and supply network configurations.