Digital transformation in pharmaceuticals: The impact of AI on supply chain management
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background Supply chain management (SCM) within the pharmaceutical sector is vital for ensuring that drugs are manufactured, acquired, and delivered promptly. But, this industry faces numerous challenges, such as variable demand, stringent regulatory standards, and the necessity for specialized storage and transport. When supply chain disruptions happen, they can lead to medication shortages, adversely affecting public health. Scope This paper investigates the role of AI in enhancing demand forecasting, inventory management, and oversight to facilitate pharmaceutical supply chains overall. The advancements in 3D printing and personalized medicine contribute to improving supply chain management by addressing several existing challenges. Methods The authors conducted a systematic review of articles and case studies from India, China, and Switzerland that focus on the application of AI in pharmaceutical supply chains. They assessed AI solutions that optimize operations, ensure adherence to regulations, and mitigate risks. Results AI seems to reduce waste, enable demand forecasting, and deliver medicines such that these all help the improvement of the supply chain. Case studies proved that AI technologies help reduce the effect of disturbances during times of crisis, as in the case of the pandemic. Alongside AI, 3D printing and personalized medicine helps greatly in manufacturing as it shortens procedures and lead time. Conclusion Certainly, AI incorporation in the pharmaceutical SCM would optimize the operation, regulatory, and patient relationship. Future treatments should focus on improving AI algorithms further coupled with safe data handling while addressing obstacle issues around scalability. Pharmaceutical supply chains will, by adopting AI and related technology, certainly become much more resilient and adaptive, flexing around the ever-increasing demand for a personalized healthcare delivery system at the frontiers.
Source: Intelligent Hospital
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid:
OpenAlex ID: W4412468438