“This is the best time to be working in the life sciences industry,” the keynote speaker said at an ISPE conference several years ago. At the time, I thought to myself, she is so right, this really is the best time to be working in the life sciences industry. Then, no one imagined that the world would be plunged into the worst of times battling a global pandemic that claimed the lives of over 4 million individuals from COVID-19. Conference attendees wouldn’t have thought it possible for scientists to decode the virus, develop an effective vaccine, and obtain emergency use authorization all within a year. After a year of lockdowns and social distancing, the industry has shown we are resilient and found new ways to respond by building manufacturing capacity faster and better than ever before. Her statement is still relevant and true; THIS is really the best time to be working in the life sciences industry!
Presently, we are witnessing unprecedented advancements in cell & gene therapy and vaccine development. When combining these developments with technological and digital progress in design, construction, and manufacturing, we begin to yield significant results in project execution. Modularization, off-site manufacturing, paperless validation, Takt planning, and early process vendor/contractor collaboration are just a few of the elements that have become part of the new normal requirements to achieve the speed of delivery science is demanding.
These innovations result in accelerated project timelines, safer job sites, and improved construction quality. Workflows for engineers, constructors, and subcontractors are being altered to engage teams earlier during the design. Innovations and “disruptions” create opportunities for teams to explore new ways of working together to save valuable time.
If you want to hear from speakers that are currently changing the way projects are delivered, join me at the 2022 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference 1–2 February and meet many of the industry’s innovators. This will be a hybrid event with virtual components—delivering thought-provoking learning and global networking opportunities whether you choose to join in-person or virtually.
This article originally appeared on Pharmaceutical Engineering Magazine.