Dose #11: Pharma Supply Chain Visibility, Digitalization, and Future Skills with Ongun Saracbasi (UCB)

In this episode of SCW for Pharma, Evren Ozkaya welcomes Ongun Saracbasi, Head of Assets and Brands Supply at UCB, to explore the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical supply chains.Ongun shares insights into managing supply chains for both commercialized medicines and those in late-stage clinical trials. He explains how pharma companies increasingly rely on contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to enhance flexibility and responsiveness. While supply chains in the consumer goods sector adapt rapidly, pharma supply chains require strategic foresight due to higher market uncertainty and longer lead times for change.The discussion highlights a crucial industry challenge: limited supply chain visibility. Ongun explains how pharma manufacturers still lag behind consumer goods companies in digital connectivity, with upstream supply chains and shop floors often lacking real-time data. Despite improvements in digitalization, the industry struggles with fragmented data and underutilized analytics. However, he emphasizes that track-and-trace regulations have created an opportunity to enhance transparency and efficiency.Evren and Ongun also examine the shift in supply chain priorities post-COVID-19. Beyond cost reduction, resilience has become a key focus. Advanced analytics and digitalization play a critical role in detecting early market signals and optimizing operations, but many pharma companies still rely on outdated ERP systems that lack granularity. Ongun stresses the importance of mapping supply chain networks to identify high-risk areas for digital investment.The conversation then shifts to the future of supply chain talent. Ongun highlights the importance of both hard and soft skills, from data analytics to storytelling and decision-making. He notes that while technical skills evolve rapidly—Python coding was once a must-have, now it's prompt engineering—the ability to adapt and continuously learn remains the most valuable trait for supply chain professionals at all levels.Reflecting on his own career, Ongun advises young professionals to take bold risks and immerse themselves in diverse experiences, as learning agility is shaped by the challenges we embrace.