News
December 04, 2025
New Report Shows Life Sciences Manufacturers Stuck in Manual Mode Despite Digital Push
NEWTOWN, PA — A new industry report shows a stark divide between digital ambitions and on-the-ground reality in the life sciences sector, with nearly two-thirds of pharmaceutical, medical device, and ...
NEWTOWN, PA – Despite significant investment and a stated desire to embrace digital transformation, a surprising number of life sciences manufacturers are still heavily reliant on manual processes, according to a newly released industry report. The report, focusing on pharmaceutical, medical device, and related industries, highlights a significant gap between the sector’s digital aspirations and the practical reality of day-to-day operations.
The findings reveal that a substantial proportion – nearly two-thirds – of companies in the life sciences manufacturing space continue to depend on manual methods for crucial tasks. This reliance persists despite the potential benefits of automation and digitalization, such as increased efficiency, improved data accuracy, and enhanced regulatory compliance.
The report suggests several factors contribute to this digital inertia. Legacy systems, often deeply ingrained in existing infrastructure, pose a significant barrier to adopting new technologies. Integrating digital solutions with these older systems can be complex and costly, leading some companies to postpone or avoid upgrades.
Furthermore, the highly regulated nature of the life sciences industry adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must navigate stringent compliance requirements, and the validation of new digital systems can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. This can create a reluctance to embrace change, especially when existing manual processes are perceived as already meeting regulatory demands.
The report emphasizes that this dependence on manual operations creates several challenges. Manual processes are inherently more prone to errors, which can lead to quality issues, delays in production, and increased costs. They also limit the ability to collect and analyze data effectively, hindering efforts to optimize processes and improve decision-making.
As the life sciences industry faces increasing pressure to innovate, reduce costs, and respond quickly to changing market demands, the need for digital transformation is becoming increasingly urgent. The report underscores the importance of addressing the barriers that are preventing manufacturers from fully embracing digital technologies and moving beyond reliance on outdated manual processes. Overcoming these challenges will be critical for companies seeking to maintain a competitive edge and thrive in the evolving landscape of the life sciences sector.
The findings reveal that a substantial proportion – nearly two-thirds – of companies in the life sciences manufacturing space continue to depend on manual methods for crucial tasks. This reliance persists despite the potential benefits of automation and digitalization, such as increased efficiency, improved data accuracy, and enhanced regulatory compliance.
The report suggests several factors contribute to this digital inertia. Legacy systems, often deeply ingrained in existing infrastructure, pose a significant barrier to adopting new technologies. Integrating digital solutions with these older systems can be complex and costly, leading some companies to postpone or avoid upgrades.
Furthermore, the highly regulated nature of the life sciences industry adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must navigate stringent compliance requirements, and the validation of new digital systems can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. This can create a reluctance to embrace change, especially when existing manual processes are perceived as already meeting regulatory demands.
The report emphasizes that this dependence on manual operations creates several challenges. Manual processes are inherently more prone to errors, which can lead to quality issues, delays in production, and increased costs. They also limit the ability to collect and analyze data effectively, hindering efforts to optimize processes and improve decision-making.
As the life sciences industry faces increasing pressure to innovate, reduce costs, and respond quickly to changing market demands, the need for digital transformation is becoming increasingly urgent. The report underscores the importance of addressing the barriers that are preventing manufacturers from fully embracing digital technologies and moving beyond reliance on outdated manual processes. Overcoming these challenges will be critical for companies seeking to maintain a competitive edge and thrive in the evolving landscape of the life sciences sector.
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