Supply Chain Wizard for Pharma

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, Evren Ozkaya welcomes Andrew Kewson, Head of Global Supply Chain Management at Basilea Pharmaceutica. With a background spanning packaging engineering, food and beverage, and global supply chain roles in pharma, Andrew brings a unique perspective to the industry's operational challenges and digital future.The conversation opens with Andrew's view on the agility advantage held by smaller pharma companies. Unlike their larger counterparts, they are not weighed down by legacy systems—making it easier to build efficient, responsive supply chains from the ground up. Especially in the wake of COVID-19, agility and resilience have become non-negotiable traits for navigating uncertainty.Andrew highlights how digital tools and AI are beginning to reshape the industry, particularly in areas like root cause analysis and anomaly detection. He points out that while big pharma often struggles with fragmented or unreliable data, smaller companies can build reliable systems from the start, giving them a head start in adopting advanced technologies.Packaging inefficiencies are another key area of discussion. Compared to faster-moving consumer industries, pharma lines often sit idle. Andrew explains how better data visibility on the shop floor can expose bottlenecks, helping teams unlock hidden capacity without major capital investments.Evren and Andrew also dig into the human side of operational excellence. Andrew stresses the value of cross-functional ownership—from finance to HR to operators—in fostering a lean culture. When everyone is aligned on production goals and outcomes, improvements come faster and motivation grows.The conversation closes with a look at AI's future in pharma. Both agree that without reliable, rich data, AI's potential is limited. Evren introduces SCW's 3D framework—Data, Dashboard, Decision—to explain the digital transformation journey, emphasizing the foundational role of high-quality data before automation can truly take hold.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, host Evren Ozkaya welcomes Fabrice Le Garrec, Founder of The OSICS Network and a global authority on Lean manufacturing and operational excellence.Fabrice sheds light on the inefficiencies plaguing the pharmaceutical industry, particularly its heavy reliance on outdated processes, paper, and spreadsheets. Drawing comparisons with advanced industries like automotive, he argues that GMP regulations shouldn't be an excuse for inefficiency.The conversation emphasizes the critical role of Lean manufacturing in boosting performance, productivity, and cost savings. Evren and Fabrice point out the shocking disparity in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): just 35% in pharma compared to 80-85% in consumer industries. Fabrice claims with existing maturity levels almost any pharma manufacturer can achieve a 20-30% productivity boost within the first year of Lean implementation, even without significant investment.  He claims the ROI is clear—optimizing changeovers, eliminating paperwork, and enhancing visibility through digital tools can generate millions in savings annually for medium-sized pharma factories.Fabrice highlights the synergy between Lean practices and digital transformation, noting that their combination can significantly amplify their impact. However, he cautions that digital tools are ineffective unless paired with a problem-solving culture. His advice for digital factory transformation is to start with simple, integrated systems, beginning with enhancing shop floor visibility, and then building execution, scheduling, and compliance systems upon that foundation.With rising tariffs and escalating costs, Fabrice underscores the urgency of optimizing existing sites rather than building new ones. Boosting OEE from 35% to 70% can double output without additional facilities—offering a cost-effective, time-efficient path forward. He also added, tariffs can negatively impact drug prices and availability.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, Evren Ozkaya welcomes Ongun Saracbasi, Head of Assets and Brands Supply at UCB, to explore the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical supply chains.Ongun shares insights into managing supply chains for both commercialized medicines and those in late-stage clinical trials. He explains how pharma companies increasingly rely on contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to enhance flexibility and responsiveness. While supply chains in the consumer goods sector adapt rapidly, pharma supply chains require strategic foresight due to higher market uncertainty and longer lead times for change.The discussion highlights a crucial industry challenge: limited supply chain visibility. Ongun explains how pharma manufacturers still lag behind consumer goods companies in digital connectivity, with upstream supply chains and shop floors often lacking real-time data. Despite improvements in digitalization, the industry struggles with fragmented data and underutilized analytics. However, he emphasizes that track-and-trace regulations have created an opportunity to enhance transparency and efficiency.Evren and Ongun also examine the shift in supply chain priorities post-COVID-19. Beyond cost reduction, resilience has become a key focus. Advanced analytics and digitalization play a critical role in detecting early market signals and optimizing operations, but many pharma companies still rely on outdated ERP systems that lack granularity. Ongun stresses the importance of mapping supply chain networks to identify high-risk areas for digital investment.The conversation then shifts to the future of supply chain talent. Ongun highlights the importance of both hard and soft skills, from data analytics to storytelling and decision-making. He notes that while technical skills evolve rapidly—Python coding was once a must-have, now it's prompt engineering—the ability to adapt and continuously learn remains the most valuable trait for supply chain professionals at all levels.Reflecting on his own career, Ongun advises young professionals to take bold risks and immerse themselves in diverse experiences, as learning agility is shaped by the challenges we embrace.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, host Evren Ozkaya welcomes Sanjay Choubey, Vice President of Digital and Process Excellence (North America) at Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital transformation in pharmaceutical supply chains.The conversation begins with an industry reality check: the U.S. pharma market is the largest globally, surpassing the next nine largest markets combined. Given this scale, Sanjay highlights the critical areas where digitalization and process improvements can drive efficiency, from manufacturing to delivery and warehousing. He emphasizes the power of real-time for supply chain visibility, unlocking numerous use cases for optimization.Sanjay stresses that digital transformation is not just about technology—It's about the people within organizations. Change management remains one of the toughest challenges, as resistance often leads companies to revert to outdated manual processes. He shares insights on how real leaders navigate these obstacles, drawing an analogy between failures in transformation and losing a battle versus winning the war. The key to success? A leadership mindset that separates noise from real compliance issues, builds trust, and alleviates real concerns.The discussion also covers the accelerating shift from on-premise ERP to cloud solutions, driven in part by an impending support deadline set by SAP (for 2030). Sanjay explains that with data requirements growing exponentially, cloud-based platforms offer a more scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional data centers. He warns that many companies fall into the “sunk cost fallacy,” believing their past investments in on-premise infrastructure justify maintaining underperforming systems. Meanwhile, competitors leveraging cloud systems are gaining agility, reducing data silos, and optimizing operations with cutting-edge technologies. Sanjay advises pharma leaders to move early, work out implementation challenges, and future-proof their organizations with modern solutions.Later, Evren and Sanjay tackle the ROI question: How should pharma leaders prioritize investments? Sanjay argues that while ERP upgrades are essential, efficiency gains from manufacturing digitalization are equally valuable. He highlights Dr. Reddy's successful factory transformation in India, showcasing how digital factories can significantly improve processes. They also discuss how addressing productivity losses on the shop floor can lead to measurable and significant improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and throughput.The episode concludes with a strategic perspective—should companies upgrade their ERP first, digitize manufacturing first, or do both simultaneously? Sanjay outlines key considerations, emphasizing that handling both transformations at once reduces change management complexity by preparing the factory in a single transition. However, he acknowledges that financial resources, business pain points, and other organizational challenges will influence the decision. When feasible, tackling both simultaneously is the most effective approach for maximizing efficiency and long-term success.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, host Evren Ozkaya welcomes Bryan Holmes, Vice President of Information Technology at Andelyn Biosciences, to discuss the evolving role of IT in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the transformative impact of digitalization on Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). The conversation begins with a deep dive into the fundamental differences between traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing and the rapidly growing field of cell and gene therapy, a market that exceeded $5 billion in 2024 and sustains an annual growth rate of over 25%. Bryan explains how these personalized treatments, often targeted for rare diseases and small patient populations, require an entirely new approach to manufacturing, one that prioritizes agility and responsiveness. Evren and Bryan explore how IT strategy plays a pivotal role in modern pharma operations. They discuss the challenges of digital transformation, from ensuring regulatory compliance and data security to bridging communication gaps between CDMOs and their clients. Bryan highlights the ongoing shift toward data sharing, transparency, and accountability in CDMO partnerships—critical for optimizing production processes. The discussion then shifts to the cost-benefit analysis of digitalization, weighing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions against customized approaches. Evren emphasizes that while change management is difficult, companies that invest in digital transformation today will secure a long-term competitive advantage, as the pharma shop floor is poised for dramatic evolution over the next two decades. Looking ahead, Bryan and Evren explore AI's biggest opportunities in pharma. From automating routine tasks to enhancing quality assurance, AI-driven solutions are unlocking new efficiencies. Bryan underscores that the younger workforce expects technology-driven workplaces, making digitalization not just a competitive edge but a necessity for attracting top talent. Evren and Bryan wrap up their discussion with a call to action: embracing IT and digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for pharma companies looking to stay ahead in an industry evolving at an unprecedented pace.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, host Evren Ozkaya welcomes Brian Doel, Vice President of Clinical Supply Chain, Global Supply Chain at Bristol Myers Squibb. The conversation kicks off with Brian's insights into the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing its role as a beacon of hope for millions and highlighting the rapid transformation driven by orphan and personalized medicines. Evren and Brian delve into the complexities of the clinical supply chain, noting that only 10% of drug trials result in a marketable product. Brian explains how products evolve through phases 1, 2, and 3 of clinical trials, considering factors like durability and storage. Brian reveals that around 5,000 trials commence annually, each with a unique cyclical supply chain tailored to its specific requirements. He underscores the necessity of an agile mindset to manage these innovative and responsive supply chains effectively. The discussion then shifts to the critical role of data-driven decision-making in managing complex supply chains. Brian highlights the productivity gains from automating repetitive tasks and integrating AI into decision-making processes. He emphasizes that AI should augment rather than replace human roles and that cultural change and worker training are essential for leveraging technology's full potential. Collaboration among consultants, academia, and businesses can further enhance digitization efforts. Brian also discusses the importance of investing in demand-sensing technologies for cyclical supply chain professionals, especially given the low volumes often associated with rare disease drugs. Despite these challenges, he identifies several "low-hanging fruits" where digitalization can significantly improve processes and reduce costs with minimal effort and expense. Evren and Brian conclude their informative conversation by advocating for openness to change. They emphasize that adaptability will be the most crucial skill for individuals and organizations in the future and urge pharma companies to embrace the evolving business landscape promptly.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, Evren Ozkaya welcomes Indranil Nandi, Chief Scientific Officer at Jubilant.  The conversation begins with Nandi's insightful analysis of the pharmaceutical industry's rapid advancements. He highlights the emergence of personalized medicine and the increasing prominence of radiotherapy, which has become a $35 billion market on its own. Evren and Nandi then explore radiotherapy's therapeutic applications and the unique complexities associated with its supply chain. From stringent regulatory oversight to the challenges of managing short-lived radioisotopes, which necessitate just-in-time delivery, Nandi provides a comprehensive overview of the critical considerations for ensuring the effective delivery of these life-saving treatments. Evren and Nandi then shift the topic to "quality" for pharmaceutical companies. Nandi argues that quality by design starts in the R&D stage. For example, if producers do not set up specifications correctly, they risk triggering an FDA investigation. He also highlights that generic drug companies are more likely to receive warning letters from the FDA due to the greater financial pressure to develop drugs faster and cheaper. Finally, they discuss the importance of paperless quality solutions and digitalization for pharmaceutical companies, focusing on both compliance and efficiency. Nandi mentions that a typical pharmaceutical company must fill out thousands of forms, logbooks, and batch records annually to demonstrate quality. Manual processes are time-consuming, prone to errors, and make it difficult to interpret data on paper to identify bottlenecks and find solutions. Digital logbooks and batch records offer a cost-effective alternative. They also emphasize that climate change is humanity's biggest challenge in the 21st century, and digitalization and paperless quality solutions are part of the solution for pharma companies to reduce their environmental impact. Evren and Nandi wrap up their informative conversation by encouraging openness to change. They advocate for embracing opportunities as an early adopter, not just in professional life but in life in general.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, Evren Ozkaya welcomes Tolga Kula, Director and Global Head of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) at Merck Group. They discuss the benefits and necessity of an integrated business planning approach for pharmaceutical companies and how companies can create an environment that connects the supply chain, finance, and sales departments the right way. The conversation begins by highlighting the low maturity level of IBP and S&OP processes in pharma companies. Tolga estimates that even for big players, the average maturity level would be around 3 according to Gartner's maturity evaluation. Tolga then explains the cornerstones of a successful IBP process. This includes using an integrated database where the supply chain, finance, and sales departments collaborate and their forecasts are interconnected. Tolga also emphasizes the importance of data governance from a single platform, allowing all department workers to understand the complete business challenges and opportunities. Evren and Tolga then discuss the value of machine learning algorithms combined with human expertise to increase forecasting precision. Evren shares his experience from his consulting days, where a simple average of previous months' data provided better forecasting than some companies' existing methods. They also acknowledge that for complex algorithms, machines can deliver even better results. In the final segment, Tolga provides best practices and tips for IBP managers aiming to digitize their companies. He emphasizes the importance of sponsorship from all departments and initiating digitalization as an end-to-end process for the company's success.

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, Evren Ozkaya welcomes Mike Walker, Microsoft's Executive Director of Global Healthcare and Life Sciences Digital Strategy, to explore why pharma companies are slow in embracing digitalization and ways to help them catch up. They delve into strategies for adapting factories to the production of the growing market of emerging biologics, cell-gene therapies, and mRNA-based drugs, expected to reach nearly 1 trillion dollars by 2030. Mike estimates that only 1%-3% of companies fall under the fully digitized factory of the future category, highlighting the industry's digitization challenges. They explore factors contributing to this lag, including risk management, regulatory compliance, and entrenched status quo, exacerbated by uncertainty on where to begin digital transformation. Mike presents his top 10 supply chain trends for the life sciences industry and discusses the development of a digital ecosystem platform to enable various organizational departments to utilize high-quality data, feeding into high-performing AI and digital twin models.

Join our host, Evren Ozkaya, as he engages in an insightful conversation with Tassilo Krug, who most recently was the Global Head of Portfolio at Sandoz, about effective portfolio management strategies in the generic drug industry. In this episode, they explore the evolving trend pharmaceutical companies are facing: A shift from high-volume, low-price drugs to low-volume, high-price (orphan) drugs. Referencing FDA data, they highlight that in the 2010s, orphan drugs constituted roughly 30% of drug approvals. However, since 2020, the proportion has consistently surpassed 50%. This shift has significantly affected the supply chain and manufacturing strategies of pharmaceutical companies. Tassilo and Evren discuss the anticipated consequences of the surge in low-volume drug production for the generic drug industry, though they expect these impacts to manifest with some latency. Then, Tassilo shares insights on the importance of achieving end-to-end digitalization to enhance visibility and automate processes for pharma companies. They also talk about the role of automation in empowering workers to focus on value-adding tasks rather than tedious, non-value-added activities.

Join our host, Evren Ozkaya, as he welcomes Faris Hattar, Associate Director of Supply Chain Operations at Hikma Saudi Arabia, for an insightful discussion on effectively managing cost pressures in generic drug manufacturing. In this episode, they delve into the challenges faced by pharmaceutical leaders, addressing issues such as high transportation costs, over reliance on a few offshore suppliers and manufacturing bottlenecks. Faris shares strategies to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the importance of enhancing visibility in factories and supply chains to enable swift and informed decision-making. Later in the conversation, Evren and his guest explore the current level of digitalization in the pharmaceutical industry and the underlying reasons for its status.

Join our host Evren Ozkaya as he welcomes ⁠Michael Altman⁠, VP of End-to-End US Supply Chain Operations at ⁠Kenvue ⁠for an insightful discussion on managing one of the largest disruptions of supply chain in the Pharma industry. This episode delves into the crucial balance between capital, cost and service/availability, the significance of an end-to-end supply chain view, and strategies for navigating disruptions, highlighted by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the backdrop of the Tylenol supply chain disruption story during the early days of pandemic, Michael & Evren build on their recent HBR article “How Kenvue De-risked Its Supply Chain”. Michael shares his extensive experience and strategies for building resilience and optimization of supply chain operations, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to understand or improve Pharma supply chains in the face of significant disruptions.

Introducing the 'Supply Chain Wizard for Pharma' podcast series, brought to you by SCW.AI and spearheaded by our host, Evren Ozkaya, Ph.D., the visionary founder and CEO of SCW.AI. Our podcast is dedicated to unveiling the insights and narratives of business and operations leaders who are in the forefront of change & transformation in the pharmaceutical industry. It's our mission to enlighten and inform our listeners about the evolving landscape of the industry, from groundbreaking strategic moves and developments in supply chains, points of views & stories around successes & failures of the organizations, to the transformative wave of digitalization sweeping through Pharma.