Digitalisation of manufacturing is a top priority in the life sciences industry, according to a survey undertaken by GMP manufacturing software company Zenith Technologies.

Business and operational leaders across the life science sector were surveyed on the trends and technologies that may revolutionise the industry over the coming years.

The research suggested an increasing appetite for Industry 4.0 – which focuses on using data and information to revolutionise GMP manufacturing.

Nearly 60% of those surveyed believe that Industry 4.0 will drive the most change in life science over the next 5 years, with 75% of those aiming to invest in people to take advantage of emerging technologies.

Over 70% of respondents cited cost and time saving the main motivators for investment in technology.

David Staunton, global services director at Zenith Technologies, said: “The life science industry has used data and information to drive improvements in GMP Manufacturing for decades and there is now an opportunity to take it to the next level.

“The foundation of life science GMP manufacturing is to know your process and industry 4.0 allows us to stay true to who we are, while at the same time revolutionising GMP manufacturing.”

Following on from these findings, Zenith published a whitepaper ‘Industry 4.0: Revolutionising life science manufacturing through connected systems and data’ written by David Staunton and MES project manager, Ryan McInerney.

The paper examines technological advances that are driving the next phase of pharmaceutical manufacturing, improving quality and reducing waste.