Novartis and Amazon Link on Supply Chain

Swiss drugmaker Novartis is partnering Amazon to “reimagine” its core manufacturing, supply chain and delivery operations.

Under a multi-year collaboration, the two will establish Insight Centers, which aim to provide real-time visibility across the Swiss drugmaker’s network of manufacturing operations and distribution centers using Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) cloud infrastructure.

AWS said the centers will enable the better forecasting and tracking of production lines, detect potential bottlenecks and recommend adjustments to improve accuracy. By using AWS’ data capabilities, Novartis will be able to ramp up the production of personalized treatments for patients.

The pharma company also intends to use AWS’ Internet of Things services to augment and improve visual inspections of its manufacturing sites by generating images that can be analyzed using computer vision algorithms to monitor risks to production, such as unplanned downtime or delayed orders.

“There is a lot we can learn from the AWS team, and while manufacturing is a great starting place, we’re keen to also explore where else we can apply this technology,” said Bertrand Bodson, chief digital officer at Novartis. “Using data science and digital technologies to reimagine the way we manufacture medicines is not only at the heart of our transformation, but also core to our ambition to bring innovative medicines to patients faster.”