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Indian and multinational pharma companies are leading the charge by investing in digital transformation and aligning Indian operations with global standards. Essentially, pharmaceutical water systems are undergoing a dual transformation. One is with advancements in pharma water technology and the second is a shift towards data and analytics to manage plant operations.
According to Adnan Kurawadwala, business head, Lifecycle Management Services, CN Water Systems, sustainable water technologies such as cold water for injection (WFI) systems are making headway. Previously, WFI systems were strictly required to use hot water, driven by pharmacopeia standards. However, recent acceptances by pharmacopoeias such as the European Pharmacopoeia have paved the way for cold WFI, which reduces energy consumption, aligns with sustainability goals, and maintains high purity standards. These innovations are moving the needle significantly, ensuring that water systems meet the rigorous demands of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Another major area of transformation is the digitization of water system management across its entire lifecycle, from design and installation to ongoing operations and maintenance, he added.
Data-driven technologies are gradually gaining traction as companies recognize the value of real-time data, paperless maintenance and predictive analytics. For instance, we have recently been involved in remote monitoring projects with leading pharma MNCs, where IoT-enabled (Internet of Things) sensors can continuously capture data on water quality and system performance, feeding it to operators remotely. AI-powered analytics process this data to detect anomalies and even predict issues before they disrupt operations. Remote monitoring is being considered a game-changer in pharma water operations, due to its ability to provide continuous, real-time data, and pave the way for predictive maintenance, Kurawadwala told Pharmabiz in an email.
Historically, pharmaceutical water systems were often viewed as support utilities with primary digital investments going into production lines and core manufacturing processes. However, in a post-Covid world, pharma regulations have become more stringent – especially with regard to safety and sustainability. Now there is much greater recognition of water as a critical utility in pharma processes. This shift is now setting the stage for digital transformation in pharma water management, he pointed out, he said.
Globally, the pharmaceutical sector is building adopting advanced digital solutions to meet these demands. In fact, global pharma water companies like BWT Pharma, a CN Water partner, are driving extensive research and technology innovation focusing on better validation, compliance, energy efficiency and sustainability. Recent developments include advanced real-time sensors for detecting microbial contamination and Total Organic Carbon (TOC), stated Kurawadwala.
There is a visible shift towards data and analytics. Super-specialized water technology companies play a pivotal role in the Indian pharma ecosystem, due to their ability to combine local expertise with internationally benchmarked products. We at CN Water are pioneering digital innovation for pharma water in India. The company is at the forefront of transforming pharmaceutical water systems by leveraging data and analytics solutions across the system lifecycle. The company is working closely with pharmaceutical industry leaders to drive industry-wide evolution through multiple technology-driven initiatives – automated service management, paperless compliance, predictive maintenance and remote monitoring, stated Kurawadwala.
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