5 Ways Takeda is Shaping the Future of Operations Through Digital Manufacturing

As a future-focused organization, we are driven by the pursuit of new ways of working. That’s why leaders from Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T) and Engineering participated in our recent LinkedIn Live to share with candidates some of the initiatives already underway in our manufacturing revolution and what’s to come.

“We operate a diverse network of manufacturing sites across the globe, and because each site is so unique, they’re all in different stages of digital transformation,” our moderator Caroline Slomski, Head of Talent Acquisition for Global Manufacturing & Supply and Global Quality (GMSGQ) kicked off the discussion with this helpful context for our attendees.

Here are 5 takeaways from the conversation.

1.) Understand the impact of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) collaboration to create smarter solutions.

Nina Mikadze, Data & Digital Delivery Lead of the Small Molecules Operational Unit believes the partnership between DD&T and Engineering is crucial for successfully deploying and adopting a solution, and breaks down collaboration into three key areas:

Infrastructure: Building a solution requires a strong IT-OT infrastructure for high performance, achieved through collaboration between Engineering and DD&T to design the best solution.

Data: Data will flow from manufacturing equipment to systems, and collaboration is key to understanding its behavior across IT and OT.

Process: Collaboration between DD&T and Engineering creates a tool that transforms business processes, meeting needs and delivering value beyond just infrastructure or an interface.

When DD&T and Engineering teams work together, they gain a broader perspective on how IT changes impact OT, and vice versa, ensuring we deliver effective solutions, anticipate potential issues and continuously improve processes, explains Nina.

2.) Leverage artificial intelligence to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions become increasingly prevalent, Takeda is making significant investments in AI to support its manufacturing operations. Michael Backhaus, Digital Manufacturing Lead of DD&T, explains that one key application of AI at Takeda is predictive maintenance. This approach integrates shop floor equipment with cloud-based IT systems to monitor equipment conditions and predict and prevent potential failures before they occur. This strategy not only reduces maintenance costs but also increases manufacturing uptime, allowing Takeda to consistently produce high-quality medicines for patients.

3.) Practice an open mindset to adapt to new systems.

Yolandi Broph, OT Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a pharmacist by education. According to Yolandi, the key to doing well as a non-IT person who finds themselves working in IT comes down to an open mindset and willingness to learn. “Since I’ve been at Takeda, there’s always a new system or project to be involved in if you raise your hand to help.” In her role, Yolandi creates end-user training and guides a non-IT person on how to use systems through accessible terminology.

4.) Implement a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to accelerate manufacturing processes. 

 We are moving away from paper-based records to a more digital system by implementing an MES, enhancing efficiency, accuracy and data transparency. This enables automatic data collection and faster batch record review by using Review by Exception functionality, which helps us get medicines to patients more quickly while reducing paper usage. “We’ve been able to do things faster because of the teamwork between the DD&T and engineering colleagues,” says Yolandi, with DD&T handling system deployment and validation while Global Engineering works with manufacturing and quality teams to implement and test the electronic batch records.

5.) Pursue innovation and technology to transform manufacturing capabilities. The way Stefan sees it, our standard automation integration layer (SAIL) system is the backbone for providing the real-time shop floor data used for the innovative digital initiatives at Takeda. This automation system serves as the handshake between our Engineering and DD&T teams, resulting in several projects:

Automated visual inspection (AVI) to boost productivity, ensure product quality and improve working conditions

Biometric authentication to replace signatures and enhance operator experience

Virtual reality training to prepare operators for clean room operations and new equipment

Electronic leaflets to replace paper, enabling patient information storage on mobile devices

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize airflow in clean rooms, reducing air change rates

“In summary, we love innovation and technology, and we do these digital initiatives to transform our manufacturing capabilities to improve our processes to better serve patients,” says Stefan.

Caroline noted, “For those of you who are energized at the thought of making an impact with your work for patients, people and our planet, Takeda could very well be the place for you.” To experience the panel in full, tune into our live stream.