Novartis has done groundbreaking work with a digital lab transformation. One senior scientist who holds a key leadership role in laboratory processes for the organization spoke with our digital lab technology partner, ZONTAL, about the implementation of a digital platform, its digital lab initiative, and the advancements the Novartis team has made.
Pioneering FAIR Data with ZONTAL
Novartis, the multinational pharmaceutical company based in Switzerland, has been a leader in digitalizing laboratory processes using a FAIR data strategy—making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. This strategy leverages advanced data collection and analytics to enable scientists to focus on science rather than managing data.
By implementing ZONTAL as their FAIR data hub, Novartis accelerated technical development, improved knowledge management, and increased operational efficiency.
Q&A with Novartis on Digital Lab Transformation
Q: Can you tell us about the recent advancements at Novartis with the implementation of ZONTAL as the digital lab platform?
Novartis: For more than five years, we've focused on adopting a digital-first approach to make our labs more efficient and innovative. Since 2020, we have been sharing our success at industry events, showcasing how ZONTAL’s FAIR data hub accelerated our technical development and improved knowledge management.
Q: Digital labs have become the cornerstone of innovation. How does the digital lab impact the daily work of scientists?
Novartis: Traditionally, labs struggle with managing data across disconnected systems. Scientists spend a lot of time searching for information than conducting experiments. A FAIR data strategy using ZONTAL's platform focuses on advanced data collection and analytics, ensuring data is easily accessible and reusable, and our digital lab approach lets scientists concentrate on what they do best: science. It significantly reduced pain points, so they can access past scenarios more easily, allowing them to run "digital twin" experiments. The digital lab means they can predict outcomes without using physical lab space, saving both time and resources.
Q: That sounds revolutionary. How does that affect knowledge management across the company?
Novartis: Knowledge is crucial in product development, and our goal is to streamline knowledge management. ZONTAL's digital lab facilitates seamless exchange of information across the organization, making it easier for scientists to access and share knowledge. This ultimately leads to increased collaboration, innovation, and efficiency.
Q: What role does machine learning and AI play in the digital lab environment?
Novartis: Machine learning and AI are integral to operations. They automate manual tasks like image analysis and glycan mapping, which are traditionally time-consuming. Moreover, machine learning and AI technologies enhance our supply chain by helping our teams capture and analyze data throughout the process. Ultimately, it means everyone can focus on ensuring that patients receive the right products promptly.
Q: Can you elaborate on the benefits Novartis has seen since implementing its digital lab strategy?
Novartis: By adopting a holistic, end-to-end data strategy using the ZONTAL platform, we've created a single source of FAIR data accessible to both humans and AI systems. Because we've democratized data, tasks that used to take weeks can be completed in hours, allowing scientists to focus more on groundbreaking research.
About ZONTAL and On Time Edge
On Time Edge is the premier ZONTAL partner in the U.S. and globally, specializing in implementing modern data solutions that accelerate digital transformation.
ZONTAL’s cutting-edge solutions in data management and compliance are designed to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and enhance data-driven decision-making. Together, these industry leaders offer a comprehensive, end-to-end approach to modernizing your data architecture, empowering your business to leverage data as a strategic asset. With their proven track record and innovative methodologies, On Time Edge and ZONTAL are the partners you need to navigate the complexities of today’s data-centric world with confidence.
Build, manage, and scale your data lakes with ZONTAL and On Time Edge
- Harness the full potential of your data to give your company a competitive edge
- Make more use of the data your systems already have
- Capture even more data from machines and equipment
We can help you leverage modern technologies and architectures to optimize your company's data and enable widely accessible information for timely, informed decisions.
What else can your company do with data?
- Create and manage digital labs
- Accelerate the performance of your existing LIMS, or quickly migrate all your data to a new LIMS
- Feed other systems and platforms to compound the value of IT and system investments
- Drive even more value with your company’s ERP using production data from the MES, MOM, or OEE system
- Fuel the company’s continuous improvement program with OEE data
