Digital Transformation for Pharma & Biotech

Digitalization and automation in pharma R&D, production and quality control

Harnessing opportunities amidst challenges

Pharma R&D and QC laboratories and manufacturing facilities face immense pressure to boost productivity and navigate patent cliffs and process inefficiencies. Digitalization and automation of lab infrastructures and workflows are seen as cornerstones for a data and AI-driven drug discovery, development and production process – aiming to accelerate time-to-market, compliance and efficiency. Yet, the digital maturity of companies varies—some have just started to build digital awareness, while others have established a digital- and data-first mindset and implemented autonomous lab workflows. Challenges like the technical complexity of integrating legacy devices, outdated, non-standardized processes, tools and data formats and organizational inertia due to entrenched siloes can hinder progress

As regulatory demands increase, the need for standardized, yet flexible digital lab workflows drives rapid evolution in laboratory and production automation. Depending on their level of digital maturity, companies adopt different strategies: some labs completely overhaul their infrastructures, while others advance step by step.

The path to integrated, automated laboratories and production is complex but achievable!

Harnessing the benefits of advanced lab and production digitalization and automation

- Create a digital-first mindset
- Establish fully automated workflows and enable FAIR data for use in AI-based predictions & simulations

- Breaking silos: Establish first automated data generation workflows
- FAIR data management: Master and meta data are digitized, harmonized, and curated to be ready-to-use for AI applications

- Lab devices and systems are integrated in leading lab systems to ensure digitalized data capture
- Structure data across isolated systems

- Analyze legacy processes to identify areas of limited data use
- Map isolated devices and manual data handling

How we help

As your trusted partner, we offer holistic support ranging from strategy developmenf for data-centric lab infrastructures and workflows over software development to testing and maintenance. We leverage our expertise in regulated environments such as GxP and our industry knowledge in areas like open interoperability and data standards to help digitalize and automate your labs. We aim to streamline operations, accelerate time-to-market, increase efficiency in R&D, manufacturing and QC, enhance data reliability, and strengthen compliance monitoring. Discover how we can support and bring your goals to life below.

Find out how we help you in

R&D and QC laboratory services
Data driven manufacturing services

R&D and QC laboratory services

Diagram showing different levels of integration and automation from ZEISS, including device integration, software, workflow automation, and system integration across various instruments and systems.

Device integration

We connect your analytical and IoT devices with leading lab systems using open standard protocols like SiLA 2 or proprietary interfaces—ensuring smooth device control and reliable data flow.
Workflow automation

We automate your lab workflows by integrating devices via open protocols and building custom scheduling software—so processes run seamlessly without manual overhead.
System integration

We connect your various lab systems and device control systems to enable seamless transfer of analytical and metadata—making your data consistently accessible where you need it.
Architecture layer integration

We design and implement modern lab IT architectures, bridging legacy systems with centralized data platforms in line with FAIR data principles—unlocking the full value of your lab data.

Data-driven manufacturing services

Digitalization opens up new opportunities for pharmaceutical production: more efficient processes, higher quality, and maximum transparency. In an environment with strict regulatory requirements, modern technology creates the basis for stable, traceable, and automated processes.

Real-time data analysis, end-to-end documentation, and intelligent systems help to avoid errors, respond more quickly, and increase productivity in the long term. This not only makes your production more economical, but also future-proof.

Sustainable digitalization
through structured data enablement

ZEISS' tailored Industrial Data Platform is the central database for tomorrow's industry – modular, scalable, and secure. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, it provides:

Data integration across system boundaries: Machines, sensors, and IT systems communicate via a common platform—without media discontinuity

Real-time transparency in production: Monitor critical production and quality data centrally and automatically.

Optimization through AI and analytics: Identify patterns, detect deviations early on, and improve processes based on data.

Traceability and compliance: Meet regulatory requirements with seamlessly documented data flows.

Modular and future-proof: Scale the platform flexibly to meet your requirements – from pilot projects to fully integrated solutions.

Together, we can foster sustainable, data-driven pharmaceutical production and support your digital transformation.

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Digital twins, track & trace and incident management

Enhance the value of your pharmaceutical production by collaborating with us to create your customized, data-driven digital solutions. Our expertise includes developing digital twins, track & trace systems, and incident management applications tailored to your needs.

We support you at every stage, from concept through implementation to operations, ensuring you fully leverage the potential of these applications to drive efficiency and effectiveness in your production processes.

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Your benefits

When you work with us, you benefit from our in-depth expertise in laboratories and manufacturing processes in regulated environments. Our experienced colleagues provide forward-thinking technology consultancy tailored to the pharma industry, combined with a deep understanding of workflows and environments and a versatile tech stack for software development, testing and maintenance.

Seamless integration and flexibility

We prioritize open interoperability with standards like SiLA 2, OPC UA, AnIML, and Allotrope, helping you avoid vendor lock-in. Our experienced interoperability and data standards experts ensure your systems adapt to the future needs of data-centric plug-and-play integration solutions, even in dynamic global environments.
Expert guidance and stability

With our extensive experience in Pharma, Labtech, and Medtech, we provide you with expert knowledge of GxP requirements, cybersecurity aspects and data integrity standards, ensuring compliance and reducing risks. As part of the ZEISS Group we provide you long-term stability and the support of a global innovation leader, delivering sustained value for you.
Accelerated innovation through collaboration

Our collaborative approach fosters strategic networks and cross-industry ecosystems. We work closely with Pharma and Labtech stakeholders to develop strategic alliances and leverage synergies from similar projects, enabling you to benefit from shared knowledge and faster implementation of innovative, future-proof solutions tailored to your specific challenges.
Tailored solutions to meet your goals

Whether you need specialized expertise from one of our colleagues, such as developing a SiLA 2 server for a device, or comprehensive project teams, for example to create a GMP-ready lab IT architecture, we customize our services to align with your specific objectives to drive your roadmap forward.

Let’s work together

to create digitalized and automated processes today to improve people health tomorrow!

Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation with our experts and learn how we can help you realize your vision for digitalized and automated workflows and processes.