Advantages of continuous flow manufacturing

Assignment Help Supply Chain Management
Reference no: EM1373673 , Length: 500 words

Traditionally, in the pharmaceutical industry, small molecule drugs used to be produced in batches. Batch manufacturing of drugs was a time-consuming and costly process with low efficiency and yield. A technology called Continuous Flow Manufacturing is now being developed by a joint initiative between Novartis and MIT in 2007, which is capable of converting drug components into tablets in one continuous process (Das & Beroe Inc., 2012). The process is unique from traditional batch processing methods in that the reactions mostly occur in tubes through which the reactants flow. This is in contrast to large vats in which the reactions traditionally took place.

Some advantages of continuous flow manufacturing with respect to batch manufacturing (Rother & Harris, 2001):

Less space requirements: The equipment used in continuous flow manufacturing is much smaller in size as compared to batch processing.

Faster output: Previously, the API had to be synthesized and transported to another site where it would be converted to pills. The entire process used to take weeks or months for a single batch.

Flexibility in manufacturing: New ingredients can be added to the flow at specific points, and components can be swapped in and out to create different drugs.

Higher cost savings: Total cost savings by adopting continuous flow manufacturing over batch manufacturing is expected to be close to 15% to 50%.

Continuous monitoring: Quality assurance testing can be improved as it is easier to monitor the process in continuous flow manufacturing as opposed to batch processing. The process is more efficient in that monitoring of the product and intermediates can be done in the middle of the process itself, and not as a huge batch at the end. Chances of errors are less in continuous flow manufacturing.

Environmental benefits: Continuous flow systems are more efficient in heat management and waste management as compared to batch processing.

The technology is being regarded as an integral step in lean operations for pharmaceutical manufacturing, due to efficient waste management, lesser space utilization, higher efficiency of process and better quality of products.

What is your opinion on this? 

REFERENCE: Harvard Referencing style

Reference no: EM1373673

Questions Cloud

Relationship between japan and korea unemployment : Discuss and explain the relationship between Japan and Korea's unemployment? What Trends do you see in the information set?
Describe the different aspects of the business : Describe the different aspects of the business that you should be looking at from an economics perspective in order to run the company efficiently and explain using economics theory how you would improve the running of your company.
Short and long term economic policy management : Determine the main effects and differences of short term economic policy management and long term management?
Multiple choice - macro economics : A change in reserve needs of depository institutions is the policy tool most frequently used through the Federal Reserve to influence economic activity
Advantages of continuous flow manufacturing : Some advantages of continuous flow manufacturing with respect to batch manufacturing and less space requirements - the equipment used in continuous flow manufacturing is much smaller in size as compared to batch processing.
Question about economic growth : Discuss some polices the United States government could take to increase United States economic growth? Name two or three and describe why these would encourage growth.
Determine value of the software company : A software firm earned ten million this year. Suppose the growth rate of the software firm and the interest rate are both constant and the software company will be business for years to come.
Acquisition by diversifying firm : Assume you observed an acquisition through diversifying company and that the aftermath of the deal included plant closings, layoffs, and decreased compensation for some remaining workers in the acquired company.
Evaluate river beverages responsibility accounting system : River Beverages is a food and soft-drink company with worldwide operations. The firm is organized into 5-regional divisions with every vice president reporting directly to the CEO, Cindy Wilkins.

Reviews

Write a Review

Supply Chain Management Questions & Answers

  Supply chain network design for cwc

This assignment explain the supply chain management process of cwc. What is the current annual supply chain cost?

  Criteria when making new location decisions

Identify a number of the typical criteria used when making new location decisions

  Draw the project network

Determine the mean critical path for Brent's job search process. What is the variance of the project duration?

  Compare and contrast economic - market, and relevancy

Please compare and contrast economic, market, and relevancy value.

  Brushing up on inventory control

Health system in Pennsylvania

  Supply chain strategy

Supply chain strategy

  What is the economic order quantity for fans in units

Nittany Fans of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, is a distributor of industrial fans used in plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.

  What factors reduce the capacity of the organization

What factors reduce the capacity of the organization to get its objectives?

  What is the total annual cost

What is the total annual cost

  Supply chain management questions

Briefly define the following two supply chain metrics: (i) inventory turnover ratio and (ii) supply chain velocity.

  Explain the supply chain management concept

Explain the supply chain management concept, Differentiate between public and private sector organisations in terms of their supply chain objectives and strategies

  How warehouses can add value in the supply chain

How warehouses can add value in the supply chain

Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd