The Role of Business Process Automation in Enhancing the Operational Efficiency of Pharmaceutical Companies

The article presents an analysis of the role of business process automation in enhancing the operational efficiency of pharmaceutical companies. The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from management, digital transformation, production technologies, and regulatory research. Special attention is given to the systematization of publications reflecting the implementation of robotic complexes, continuous manufacturing technologies, and digital analytical platforms. Key effects of automation are identified, including the reduction of errors, acceleration of routine operations, redistribution of specialists’ functions in favor of clinical interaction, and strengthening the resilience of supply chains. A comparative analysis of managerial and regulatory factors determining the success of CM, Lean 4.0, and Industry 4.0 integration has been conducted. It has been established that the main barriers remain the high cost of implementation, the limited experience of regulators, and the shortage of competencies in PAT, statistical modeling, and process control. It is shown that the Risk Priority Number methodology makes it possible to develop automation roadmaps focused on the most vulnerable processes. Quantitative data confirm that automation provides not only short-term effects in reducing errors and accelerating operations but also strategic advantages in shortening time-to-market and increasing the competitiveness of companies. The article will be useful for researchers in pharmaceutical economics, specialists in digital transformation, production managers, and regulatory experts interested in building sustainable models of operational efficiency management in the pharmaceutical industry.