CARGOCONNECT-JANUARY2025 - Flipbook - Page 74
SPECIAL FEATURE : PHARMA SUPPLY CHAIN
Bhatia builds on this by outlining proactive resilience
strategies. “Using AI-driven tools for predictive analytics
and forecasting enables us to anticipate disruptions
and prepare alternative strategies well in advance,” he
shares. Reliance Retail conducts scenario planning to
stress-test its supply chain against various risks such
as supplier failures or logistics constraints, ensuring
robust response mechanisms. Real-time adaptability
is another core focus, leveraging IoT and Blockchain
to maintain end-to-end visibility and react swiftly to
delays or emerging risks.
Importantly, Vashisht highlights that building
resilient systems requires a proactive mindset, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, where meeting
regulatory compliance and supply chain 昀氀exibility are
top priorities. He asserts, “Adopting tools that allow for
a granular view of the entire chain, such as track and
trace systems, empowers organisations to anticipate
disruptions and shift operations quickly.”
This proactive approach is echoed by Mehta, who
highlights Reliance Life Sciences’ approach to adaptability,
particularly their shift from traditional methods to
leveraging predictive capabilities, giving them a better
handle on real-time supply chain management. Such
tools, he agrees, have not only enabled the organisation
to maintain control during supply shocks but have also
created smoother interfaces between various stages in
the delivery process.
Bhatia explains that agility within the supply chain
doesn’t just come from rapid decision-making tools but
also from building a network of resilient partnerships.
These partnerships, whether with technology providers
or logistics partners, create a flexible supply chain
ecosystem that enables quicker adaptation to changes.
“When you have a strong network, your supply chain’s
昀氀exibility increases, giving you an edge during times
of uncertainty,” he attests.
74 | CARGOCONNECT JANUARY 2025
Digital capabilities underpin supply chain agility
and reliability. Bhatia couldn’t agree more. He explains,
“A centralised control tower provides a single source of
truth, while decentralised execution empowers local
teams to respond rapidly. From automated inventory
replenishment to dynamic pricing strategies, these
systems eliminate ine昀케ciencies and enhance operational
responsiveness.”
“Addressing cyber security remains integral, with
robust safeguards to protect digital integrations,” Bhatia
went on to add.
Vashisht also highlights the adoption of green
logistics practices such as electric vehicles and optimised
routes, aligning operational goals with sustainability
imperatives. “Through digital transformation and
strategic investments, we aim to enhance e昀케ciency, meet
rising demand, and maintain customer satisfaction,” he
asserts, emphasising the role of workforce development
to address labour shortages in the logistics sector.
Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical industry, unique
challenges like limited raw material sourcing necessitate
strategic partnerships and robust diversi昀椀cation e昀昀orts.
Mehta stresses, “Proactively seeking new supply partnerships while nurturing long-standing relationships fosters
mutual growth and ensures supply chain stability.”
Global instability, Mehta says, however, complicates
scaling critical material sourcing. Nonetheless, Reliance
Life Sciences stands strong by committing to risk
mitigation through diversified supplier bases and
long-term planning, he informs.
Dinesh Pawar, Head of Warehouse and EXIM
Operations, Sandoz highlights the crucial role of endto-end data traceability in the pharma and biotechnology
sectors. “Digital tools and automation enhance e昀케ciency,
compliance, and product integrity, enabling real-time
transparency across material, information, and cash
昀氀ow,” he explains, while emphasising on the factor of
