The first panel discussion of the day, titled ‘From factory to patient: Just-in-time deliveries,’ brought together a powerhouse of supply chain experts from leading pharma and medtech organisations. Moderated by Naresh Ranade, VP Supply Chain, Sharon Bio Medicine, the session offered in-depth insights into how pharma and medtech companies are rethinking their supply chain strategies to meet the growing demand for agility, precision, and patient-centric delivery models.
The other panelists for this session were: Arindam Bhattacharya, VP – Supply Chain Excellence, Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Meghna Bhatt, Director – Customer Service Operations, Medtronic; Dr Ashish Negi, VP – Service Logistics, DHL Supply Chain India; Jasvinder Kaur, Deputy GM, Sun Pharma; Kaifeel Shaikh, VP – Domestic Distribution & Global Logistics – EXIM, Indoco Remedies; and Anuj Agarwal, VP – Supply Chain, Par Formulations
The discussion began with an overview of the growing complexities in pharma supply chains. With heightened regulatory expectations, diverse market demands, and global disruptions, there is a growing need for robust just-in-time (JIT) delivery models. The panelists agreed that the traditional models of manufacturing and distribution is giving way to more agile, demand-driven approaches.
A key theme that emerged was the evolving role of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). The panelists asserted that by giving the responsibility for inventory management upstream to suppliers, companies can align inventory levels with real-time consumption patterns, and wastage.
The panel was candid about the challenges facing JIT implementation in pharma and medtech. They advocated for a blend of technology, data intelligence, and deep operational understanding to improve supply chain efficiency. They also highlighted that regulatory compliance adds layers of complexity, as delays due to audits or documentation can easily derail JIT timelines.
The experts also emphasised the importance of predictive planning and real-time data and shared that modern logistics networks need to be equipped with advanced ERP systems, IoT sensors, and AI-based analytics to proactively address disruptions and maintain supply continuity. They also highlighted that workforce training and process standardisation are equally critical to make JIT a sustainable model.
The experts also pointed out that JIT cannot be applied as a onesize-fits-all strategy. It needs to be customised to the specific needs of each product line, market, and logistics channel. They added that over-dependence on JIT without risk mitigation strategies can expose companies to inventory stockouts, particularly during global disruptions.
The panel concluded that strategic and selective application of the JIT model is the way forward. Organisations need to identify parts of the supply chain where JIT can be implemented effectively while maintaining buffer stocks or alternative strategies in high-risk areas.
In summary, the session provided a balanced and practical perspective on JIT in the pharma and medtech sectors. It offers myriad benefits such as reduced inventory costs, faster response times, and enhanced patient outcomes but also requires a careful blend of technology, collaboration, regulatory alignment, and strategic foresight.