6. Implementation and follow-up of DDAE projects in healthcare companies

6.1 The healthcare supply chain: vital reliability and adaptability, but unnatural agility

The healthcare supply chain has been in the headlines for several months in light of the pandemic: the availability of its products can have literally life-changing consequences. However, this industry is subject to the same economic pressures as any other sector, which over the years has led to a lengthening and increasing complexity of flows.

Developing reliability, resilience and agility for medical devices and drugs presents particular challenges, as this is a highly regulated sector. Time scales are constrained by validation processes, both internal and submitted to health authorities....