Computer integrated manufacturing in the Australian pharmaceutical industry Available to Purchase

OzPharm (the name of the company and other specific details have been disguised to protect confidentiality), Australia’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, is a world leader in the application of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. In response to high quality requirements and declining profitability, OzPharm decided to focus its product range and invest substantially in research and development and AMT. With a vision for a “paperless” factory and a commitment to total quality management, OzPharm has successfully introduced computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) technologies to their manufacturing facility. Improvements in process and product quality have secured OzPharm’s competitive position and reaffirmed its strategic direction for the future. This paper examines OzPharm’s approach to the implementation planning, installation and assessment of the technologies used. Specific emphasis is given to the company’s most complex CIM venture, and the difficulties, lessons, limitations and benefits gained from AMT.