Revolutionizing Product Development and Supply Chain Strategies

A recent publication by Johnson & Johnson Innovative medicine highlights the pressing need for innovation in product advancement and supply chain management, featuring insights from Joe Bitterman, the vice president of supply chain planning, and Philip Vervloesem, the chief commercial officer at OMP.

Bitterman emphasizes that innovation in supply chain planning is omnipresent. With J&J Innovative Medicine consistently outperforming market growth for 14 years straight, he stresses the importance of staying ahead in innovation to ensure timely product delivery to patients.

He reflects on how their products have transformed over time—from basic small molecule drugs like tablets to intricate large-molecule therapies administered via infusions or injections. The latest advancements even include cell and gene therapies that require rapid manufacturing and delivery processes measured in mere hours. This evolution has made today’s planning capabilities incredibly intricate.

Moreover,there’s a notable focus on enhancing planning strategies. Companies are now aiming for comprehensive demand sensing and more sophisticated material requirements planning (MRP), along with better integration with both suppliers and customers.

Vervloesem points out that effective supply chain planning must extend beyond just manufacturers; it should encompass an entire ecosystem involving suppliers as well. This broader approach allows businesses to explore various scenarios and swiftly adapt to market fluctuations.

Bitterman describes their ongoing journey towards advanced Planning Conversion (APT) at J&J Innovative Medicine. They aim to lead through three main principles: automate, anticipate, and accelerate—these elements help streamline repetitive tasks within the planning cycle while enabling quicker decision-making based on anticipated needs.

Despite advancements in automation technology, Bitterman believes human involvement will remain essential for some time. “Our planners are thrilled about utilizing digital tools that enhance their efficiency,” he adds enthusiastically.