: In your opinion, what is the current role of big data in the pharmaceutical industry. How do you see it expanding in the near future?
DP: As evidenced by the current direction of the Pharmaceutical Industry, the role of big data is and will continue to become more essential. We already see companies using big data to evaluate past events and as justification for new investments, new product development and for making changes to production methods.
: Are there any impediments to using big data in the Pharmaceutical industry? If so, how can they be overcome?
DP: I do not see any impediments to using big data other than the typical slower pace of adoption in a regulated industry. If the pharmaceutical industry can adopt the utilization of big data quickly, the advantages and efficiencies it provides will inherently accelerate the process.
: What can industry, regulators, and tech providers do to make the adoption of big data analysis more efficient?
DP: The industry, regulators and providers should all follow the lead of the user. They should conform the solution they offer to the needs of the customer. The worst thing we can do is try to force a problematic change into an already challenging change process.
Regulators should keep themselves updated on the latest available technologies and try to make the industry aware of the advantages of a paperless system.
If accepting of the changes, the pharmaceutical industry can’t help but benefit from the adoption and utilization of a big data program. Big data has the potential to improve their production efficiency, data integrity and reduce their costs.
: If a pharmaceutical company wants to begin implementation of a big data analysis program to produce better outcomes, are there are any areas/functions that should be looked at first? Why?
DP: We recommend two main areas of initial focus; the final product release analysis and environmental control. These are the two areas that generate the most data each day. A well-designed data management system will immediately help improve these two critical process areas in impactful ways.
: Do you foresee the application of big data technology resulting in more collaboration in the industry? Can you explain?
DP: Yes, I definitely foresee more collaboration within the industry. Naturally, more providers will create synergic partnerships to provide the end user what they need. Industry offerings will enable customers to cross multiple data sets from different sources to better understand their environments, contamination, operations and more.
What wasn’t impossible years ago, or was at least was very difficult, will quickly become effortless with big data. I predict the next quantum leap to come will be Artificial Intelligence.