Achieving Large-Scale Digital and Analytics Transformation in Pharma: Key Actions for Success

The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of digital technology and analytics in driving future growth and improving outcomes. With advancements in drug discovery, clinical development, and healthcare provider engagement, pharmaceutical companies are progressing toward transforming their operations. However, despite significant investments, many companies have yet to fully rewire their technological frameworks, tools, and operating models to fully realize their digital and analytics ambitions. The following five actions can help pharma leaders scale these initiatives and achieve transformative success. 

 

1. Rethink Operating Models to Drive Outcome-Oriented Transformation

Pharmaceutical organizations are shifting from traditional project-based approaches to outcome-driven, product- and platform-oriented operating models. This reorganization empowers autonomous, cross-functional teams to focus on overarching goals, such as improving patient and healthcare provider experiences, rather than focusing on individual products or technologies. 

Successful companies have adopted this model and witnessed measurable improvements in efficiency, product delivery, and customer satisfaction. For example, a global pharma company embraced this shift and reduced testing time by 50%, improved product delivery by over 20%, and enhanced customer satisfaction significantly. 

To maximize benefits, companies are also consolidating their vendor portfolios and modernizing their technology infrastructure, including accelerating cloud migrations and cutting technology debt. This allows for increased scalability, enhanced agility, and cost savings of up to 30% in IT spending. 

Learn how BioBoston Consulting can help your organization implement a product- and platform-oriented operating model to scale digital transformation efforts. 

 

2. Drive Innovation Through DataOps

A major hurdle in digital transformation is the lack of efficient data access and quality. In many pharmaceutical companies, data remains siloed and manual processes inhibit the speed of advanced analytics. To unlock the full potential of data, companies must embrace DataOps – a set of collaborative practices and tools designed to automate and standardize data use. 

DataOps enables faster data access, integration, and quality assurance across the enterprise, fostering innovation and empowering analytics teams to move swiftly. By implementing DataOps, organizations can ensure seamless collaboration, improve data governance, and enable data-driven decision-making. 

Partner with BioBoston Consulting to initiate a DataOps transformation that accelerates your digital and analytics efforts. 

 

3. Industrialize AI with MLOps for Scalability

While AI has vast potential in the pharmaceutical industry – from predictive models to digital health applications, many organizations treat AI projects as one-off experiments. To scale AI efficiently across the organization, pharmaceutical companies should adopt MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), which standardizes the process of developing, deploying, and monitoring AI models. 

By leveraging MLOps, pharma companies can build AI models faster, reduce risks, and integrate AI capabilities into core business functions such as R&D, clinical studies, and sales. For instance, Pfizer uses AI to optimize clinical trials and automate decision-making in commercial operations. 

Discover how BioBoston Consulting can support your organization in industrializing AI through MLOps to achieve scalable and sustainable results. 

 

4. Transform Talent Strategies to Support Digital Initiatives

A key element of any digital transformation is having the right talent in place. Pharma companies are competing for tech talent, from data scientists to digital product managers, to fuel their digital and analytics ambitions. To attract and retain top digital talent, companies should refine their hiring strategies, focusing on agility and flexibility. 

Creating talent “win rooms” or centers of excellence, where critical talent needs are prioritized and addressed, can help organizations rapidly build their digital capabilities. In addition, acquiring digital talent through strategic mergers and acquisitions can quickly close skill gaps. 

Let BioBoston Consulting assist in shaping a talent strategy that attracts and retains the digital professionals essential for your transformation. 

 

5. Define and Execute a Digital Health Strategy

The digital health space presents immense opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to enhance their portfolios and create value for patients. Partnering with or investing in digital health startups can help companies expedite the development and deployment of digital therapeutics, remote monitoring, and other innovations. 

A well-defined digital health strategy is essential for success. Pharmaceutical leaders must clarify the role of digital health within their broader business strategy, define key areas to target, and develop a clear roadmap for commercialization and performance metrics. 

Explore how BioBoston Consulting can help your organization define and execute a digital health strategy to maximize impact and growth. 

 

Get Started on Your Digital Transformation Journey 

Pharmaceutical companies must move beyond siloed initiatives and scale their digital and analytics efforts across the organization. By adopting a product-oriented operating model, embracing DataOps and MLOps, transforming talent strategies, and defining a clear digital health vision, companies can achieve transformative outcomes. 

If you are ready to take your pharmaceutical business to the next level with digital and analytics, contact BioBoston Consulting today for expert guidance and support on your digital transformation journey.