17 min read

Top ERP solutions for the pharmaceutical industry in 2025

ERP

Gezondheidszorg

The pharmaceutical industry is in the midst of a seismic shift. Breakthroughs in science, advances in tech, and a complex web of regulations are all coming together to create a perfect storm of change. Global bodies such as the FDA and EMA govern every aspect of operations, while market pressure demands optimized supply chains, high quality, and cost control. Essentially, this all means that it can take up to 10 years and $2.6 billion to bring a new drug to market. Clearly, pharmaceutical companies need a more efficient and effective way to manage their operations and bring new treatments to market. This is where Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions come in – offering a way to balance these demands through the integration of all aspects of pharmaceutical operations into a single system.

This blog post will explore the hugely important role of ERP systems in the modern pharmaceutical industry. We’ll delve into how these integrated software solutions can address the specific challenges and demands faced by pharmaceutical companies – such as stringent regulatory compliance and complex manufacturing processes – as well as the intense pressure concerning efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Read on to learn more.

Innowise partnerschappen

As a trusted ERP services company, Innowise has built solid partnerships with top tech providers, including Microsoft, Salesforce, Odoo, and SAP. Thanks to these collaborations, we deliver high-quality ERP implementation, customization, migration, and integration services that cover the needs of pharmaceutical businesses. By leveraging Microsoft’s cloud computing, AI, and business intelligence tools, we help pharmaceutical companies streamline their operations and improve productivity. We implement customized CRM solutions with Salesforce, integrate versatile ERP software with Odoo, and enhance enterprise resource planning with SAP, empowering pharmaceutical businesses to make informed decisions and drive growth.

Our ERP services for the pharmaceutical industry

Pharma ERP software consulting

Innowise knows the pharma industry inside out – and we’ve teamed up with the very best ERP providers. We help businesses figure out exactly what they need, choose the right software, and make it their own to keep everything running just as it should.

Pharma ERP implementation

Innowise's pharma ERP implementation services mean you can switch over to your new system without any hiccups. We'll plan your project, set up the ERP to fit your workflows, and handle deployment along with training and support.

Pharma ERP software development

We build custom ERP solutions that are adjusted to the specific challenges you face in the pharma industry. We can help you create custom modules, automate workflows to make things more efficient, and develop mobile apps for remote access to ERP data and functionality.

Pharma ERP software support

We've got your back with comprehensive support, so your ERP system keeps the work flowing with minimal downtime. We're here to help with technical assistance, regular maintenance, and training so that your end-users can work effectively and efficiently.

Pharma ERP software integration

We link multiple software solutions across different departments and external partners so that data flows smoothly and is always accurate. We can hook you up with data integration, custom API development, and modernizing legacy systems to support your new ERP.

Pharma ERP software testing

Our QA engineers combine automated and manual approaches for functional, performance, and compliance testing – meaning we can verify that your system is following FDA regulations, GxP guidelines, and other applicable standards.

Get in touch today to boost efficiency and profits with ERP.

Critical pharma ERP software modules

How do you balance compliance, efficiency, and profitability in the pharmaceutical industry? Enter ERP software — your secret weapon. These key modules aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re what keep you ahead of the competition while you navigate global and local regulations. Let’s take a look at the ERP essentials that keep pharmaceutical companies at the top of their game.

Regulatory compliance module

Inventory management module

Order management module

Product serialization and tracking module

Global trade management module

Financial management module

Business intelligence and analytics module

Customer relationship management module

Returns and refunds management module

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) module

Regulatory compliance module

Ensures compliance with global regulations, such as EU's Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD), US FDA's 21 CFR Part 11, and WHO's Good Storage and Distribution Practices
Manages licenses, permits, and documentation for cross-border transactions
Tracks and manages expiration dates for DEA and state licenses
Manages documentation related to product registration, clinical trials data management, adverse event reporting, and ensuring traceability throughout the product lifecycle

Inventory management module

Handles inventory levels, including tracking and reporting of stock levels
Tracks and manages inventory lots to guarantee product safety and regulatory compliance
Manages inventory of short-dated drugs to minimize waste and ensure regulatory compliance

Order management module

Manages the entry and processing of customer orders, including invoicing and payment tracking
Creates and tracks purchase orders
Keeps an eye on warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, and shipping products

Product serialization and tracking module

Handles product serialization and tracking across different regions and regulatory environments
Tracks and manages serialized equipment to ensure regulatory compliance
Verifies product identity using barcode or RFID scanning to prevent counterfeits

Global trade management module

Supports multiple languages and currencies to facilitate global trade
Manages global shipping, customs clearance, and logistics
Ensures temperature-sensitive products are stored and shipped within the required temperature ranges

Financial management module

Manages financial transactions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger
Allows for flexible pricing models based on customer, product, or volume

Business intelligence and analytics module

Provides insights into sales, inventory, and other key metrics for decision-making
Generates reports to ensure compliance with various regulatory bodies

Customer relationship management module

Manages customer relationships, including contact information and interaction history
Provides a convenient online ordering channel for customers
Organizes sales commissions for sales representatives

Returns and refunds management module

Verifies and processes saleable returns
Tracks all returned items
Provides detailed reporting and analytics on return trends
Streamlines the entire returns process from receipt to restocking or disposal

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) module

Tracking and reporting of hazardous materials and waste
Management of safety data sheets (SDS) and labels
Compliance with regulations such as OSHA and EPA
Training and certification management for employees
Incident reporting and investigation

Kortere ontwikkelingstijd en -kosten

Ensures compliance with global regulations, such as EU's Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD), US FDA's 21 CFR Part 11, and WHO's Good Storage and Distribution Practices
Manages licenses, permits, and documentation for cross-border transactions
Tracks and manages expiration dates for DEA and state licenses
Manages documentation related to product registration, clinical trials data management, adverse event reporting, and ensuring traceability throughout the product lifecycle

Inventory management module

Handles inventory levels, including tracking and reporting of stock levels
Tracks and manages inventory lots to guarantee product safety and regulatory compliance
Manages inventory of short-dated drugs to minimize waste and ensure regulatory compliance

Order management module

Manages the entry and processing of customer orders, including invoicing and payment tracking
Creates and tracks purchase orders
Keeps an eye on warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, and shipping products

Product serialization and tracking module

Handles product serialization and tracking across different regions and regulatory environments
Tracks and manages serialized equipment to ensure regulatory compliance
Verifies product identity using barcode or RFID scanning to prevent counterfeits

Global trade management module

Supports multiple languages and currencies to facilitate global trade
Manages global shipping, customs clearance, and logistics
Ensures temperature-sensitive products are stored and shipped within the required temperature ranges

Financial management module

Manages financial transactions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger
Allows for flexible pricing models based on customer, product, or volume

Business intelligence and analytics module

Provides insights into sales, inventory, and other key metrics for decision-making
Generates reports to ensure compliance with various regulatory bodies

Customer relationship management module

Manages customer relationships, including contact information and interaction history
Provides a convenient online ordering channel for customers
Organizes sales commissions for sales representatives

Returns and refunds management module

Verifies and processes saleable returns
Tracks all returned items
Provides detailed reporting and analytics on return trends
Streamlines the entire returns process from receipt to restocking or disposal

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) module

Tracking and reporting of hazardous materials and waste
Management of safety data sheets (SDS) and labels
Compliance with regulations such as OSHA and EPA
Training and certification management for employees
Incident reporting and investigation

Pharma companies are under incredible pressure to come up with groundbreaking products while dealing with constantly changing regulations. That’s where the right ERP system becomes essential. We work closely with pharma businesses to design solutions that don’t just check compliance boxes, but actually help them get products to patients faster. It’s about making smart use of data to drive better decisions across the board.

Kiryl Drabysheuski

Leiden van ERP-consultants

Benefits of ERP software in pharma industry

The right pharma ERP solution, when properly put in place, can transform your whole operation. Here’s how the right ERP partner can help you get the most out of your investment.

Strategic inventory optimization

Knowing what you’ve got in stock at any given time is essential for pharma companies. It helps them make sure they have enough stock to meet demand while at the same time avoiding waste.

Regulatory compliance and risk management

Modern pharma ERP solutions have automated tools and configurable modules that help you stick to international standards, including GMP, FDA, and EMA. They also help you track measurements and keep your documentation up to date for audits and analysis.

Integrated manufacturing operations

Pharma ERP software streamlines manufacturing operations by combining things like formulation management, production planning, quality control, and a wide variety of other functions. This helps to cut down on avoidable mistakes and makes things more efficient.

Quality control and assurance

ERP systems make sure everything’s up to scratch by capturing and analyzing data at every manufacturing stage. This allows you to monitor things in real time, automate processes, and manage deviations.

End-to-end supply chain visibility

Pharma ERP systems provide a bird’s-eye view of the supply chain, so you can track materials and products from procurement to distribution. This means you can better manage inventory, fulfill orders more efficiently, and work more closely with suppliers and distributors.

Financial management and cost optimization

ERP software puts all your financial data in one place, automates accounting processes, and generates accurate reports, so you can make better-informed decisions and control your costs.

Gegevensgestuurde besluitvorming

ERP systems provide a centralized data repository for pharmaceutical companies and give them the insights they need to make better decisions and perform predictive analysis.

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP software helps teams from different departments work together more easily – getting rid of the silos, making everyone more productive, and letting companies respond faster to changes in the market.

Plan your route.

Schedule a consultation to find the best ERP strategy for your pharmaceutical company.

Top ERP systems for the pharma industry in 2025

SAP S/4HANA is a complete ERP solution that many large pharmaceutical companies use. It’s got all the bells and whistles when it comes to compliance, quality control, batch tracking, and supply chain management. Plus, it’s got some pretty impressive analytics and real-time data processing capabilities thanks to the SAP HANA in-memory database. While it’s a big investment – especially for smaller companies – SAP’s flexible deployment options, including cloud-based solutions, and industry-specific features offer a serious leg-up. That makes it a great tool for pharma businesses of all sizes looking to ramp up their operations, stay compliant, and gain a competitive edge.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP solution that’s a great fit for small to medium-sized pharmaceutical companies. It’s got integrated modules for finance, supply chain management, and quality control, and it works great with other Microsoft products. While Business Central has features that help you comply with regulations and track batches, you might need to make some changes or use industry-specific extensions from Microsoft partners to fully comply with specific pharmaceutical regulations. Its flexible architecture and availability of add-ons means you won’t need a lot of customization – making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for growing pharmaceutical businesses.

Odoo is a flexible, open-source ERP solution that’s known for its modular approach and all-round features. It’s got modules designed especially for pharmaceutical companies, like inventory management, quality control, compliance management, and R&D project management. This flexibility means businesses can adapt Odoo to fit their own processes. However, as with any ERP implementation – especially one with lots of customization – it’s important to plan thoroughly, dedicate resources for setup and configuration, and manage data consistently across all modules.

Industrieën die we bedienen

From stringent regulations to complex supply chains, we understand the challenges facing today's businesses. Discover how ERP solutions provide the control and insights your business needs.

Pharma
Biotechnology
Onderzoek
Wholesalers
Gezondheidszorg
Nutraceuticals
Cosmetics
Fabrikanten
Institutions

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

Pharma ERP systems help pharmaceutical manufacturers manage production schedules, inventory control, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and supply chain management.

Increased yield and reduced waste
Snellere time-to-market
Improved recall management

Biotechnology

Biotech firms often deal with complex production processes and stringent regulatory requirements. Pharma ERP software assists in managing R&D, clinical trials, and product lifecycle management while ensuring FDA compliance.

Improved collaboration and data integrity
Streamlined clinical trial management
Better management of intellectual property

Contract research organizations

CROs provide outsourced research services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Pharma ERP systems facilitate resource allocation, budgeting, project tracking, and reporting.

Verhoogde winstgevendheid van projecten
More consistent client communication and higher levels of transparency
Reduced administrative burden

Wholesale distributor

Pharma ERP software helps wholesale distributors of pharmaceutical products manage orders, shipments, returns, and compliance with distribution regulations.

Reduced inventory carrying costs
Improved order fulfillment
Enhanced compliance with distribution regulations

Zorgverleners

Hospitals and clinics that manage their own pharmacies can benefit from pharma ERP solutions by streamlining medication inventory management, patient records integration, billing processes, and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Improved patient safety
Optimized medication inventory management.
Streamlined charge capture and RCM

Nutraceuticals

The nutraceutical industry – which deals with dietary supplements – can leverage pharma ERP software for quality control, compliance, supply chain transparency, and traceability.

More thorough quality control and compliance
Improved supply chain transparency and traceability
Increased efficiency and reduced costs

Cosmetic industry

Cosmetic companies often face regulatory challenges regarding product safety and efficacy claims. Pharma ERP systems can help manage formulations, testing protocols, supply chains, and compliance documentation.

Faster product development and time-to-market
Compliance with safety and labeling regulations
Improved supply chain visibility and responsiveness

Fabrikanten van medische hulpmiddelen

Medical device manufacturers must comply with strict regulatory standards. An ERP system tailored for the pharma sector can assist in managing design controls, manufacturing processes, quality assurance protocols, and post-market surveillance.

Streamlined design controls and regulatory compliance
Improved quality management and risk mitigation
More thorough post-market surveillance and reporting

Research institutions

Academic or private research institutions involved in drug discovery or clinical trials may use pharma ERP software to manage grants, budgets, and resource allocation while ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Improved grant and funding management
Beter gebruik van hulpbronnen
Improved data integrity and security

Unsure what ERP is right for your business?

Our experts can help.

Real-life examples of ERP systems for the pharma industry

Pfizer, one of the top global pharma companies, has joined forces with SAP. They’re using a bunch of SAP solutions to manage their huge and complicated operations. This partnership shows that Pfizer is dedicated to using technology to boost efficiency, spark innovation, and make breakthroughs that improve patients’ lives.

Sanofi is all in on digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry, and they’re rolling out SAP S/4HANA. This cutting-edge ERP system will give Sanofi the power to process data in real time and make smarter decisions, which will help them deliver new medicines to patients faster.

Merck transformed its operations with SAP ERP. The system’s real-time visibility into its vast supply chain transformed inventory management and demand forecasting, reducing costs and waste. SAP’s built-in controls guarantee compliance with international regulations, protecting Merck’s reputation. Their data-driven approach helps the company make better decisions and speeds up research and development. A competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.

ERP software for pharma industry: the near future

AI and Machine Learning integration

AI and ML are about to go beyond simple automation in pharma ERP, taking pharma operations to the next level — predictive intelligence. This means that the systems will not only forecast demand but also anticipate potential supply chain disruptions based on real-time data analysis of weather patterns, geopolitical events, and even social media sentiment. This level of predictive capability is going to be critical for optimizing manufacturing schedules, proactively managing inventory, and ensuring a consistent supply of medicines.

Better analytics and reporting

Pharmaceutical companies are drowning in data – and it’s still tough to get insights from it. The next generation of ERP systems will turn data overload into a competitive advantage. AI-powered analytics will do more than just give us basic reports. It’ll also predict demand, flag potential supply chain disruptions, and find ways to make manufacturing more efficient. Interactive dashboards will give users insights they can act on, based on clinical trial data, patient records, and real-world evidence. This will help people make data-driven decisions across the pharmaceutical value chain. Cloud computing will be key for handling the huge datasets and complex analytical models needed for these advanced capabilities. This strategy will help make proactive improvements, speed up innovation, and ultimately get better results for patients.

Increased focus on data security

Pharmaceutical ERP systems need to be able to predict and identify potential security risks using AI and machine learning algorithms. These systems keep an eye on user behavior, network traffic, and data access patterns to spot anything out of the ordinary that might be a sign of malicious activity. If the system spots something fishy – like an unusual login attempt or unauthorized data access – it can nip any potential breaches in the bud and protect sensitive information by triggering security protocols like multi-factor authentication challenges or access restrictions.

Conclusie

Ultimately, it’s no secret that cutting-edge ERP systems are the key to success in today’s drug industry, where things move fast. These systems provide companies with a single, unified platform for managing all aspects of their business – which lets them respond quickly to changing market demands, drive innovation, and deliver better patient outcomes. It’s a big change in how pharma companies are run. They need to be more agile, work together better, and have better insights.

With the global pharmaceutical market on track to reach a projected $1.5 trillion by 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. But with next-generation ERP systems, pharma companies won’t just make their way through the complexity of this rapidly evolving industry: they have the opportunity to thrive. By getting on board with these systems, they can make their operations more efficient, drive growth, and ultimately make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients around the world.

FAQ

Why are ERP solutions important for the pharmaceutical industry?

ERP solutions are crucial for pharma due to the industry’s complexity, strict regulations, and need for precise data. ERPs boost operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve overall business performance by integrating processes across departments. The result? Better productivity and profitability.

How does ERP software ensure regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical industry?

ERP software helps pharma companies stay compliant thanks to centralized data, automated reporting, integrated quality management, robust audit trails, validation support, training management, risk assessment tools, and supplier management features.

Can ERP software improve the efficiency of a pharmaceutical company?

Yes, ERP software can significantly improve pharma efficiency. It integrates business functions, streamlining manufacturing, optimizing supply chains, and improving quality control. It also automates compliance, makes inventory management more straightforward, and gives real-time financial visibility for better decisions and collaboration.

How does ERP software help in quality control?

ERP software enables real-time tracking and management of quality control processes. It automates testing, inspection, and certification, ensuring regulatory compliance. It also provides visibility into production – allowing for quick identification and resolution of quality issues.

How long does it typically take to implement ERP software in a pharmaceutical company?

ERP implementation time for pharma companies varies from several months to a few years. Factors include company size, implementation scope, chosen ERP system, and existing infrastructure. A phased approach is often recommended for smooth transitions.

Labutin Michael Hoofd ERP-afdeling

Datum: 20 nov. 2024

Labutin Michael Head of ERP Development

Datum: 20 nov. 2024

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