MICROSOFT
‘ I am like a counsellor , only without the couch ’ “ Instead , provide the executive with a framework to work within and let them drive the conversations based on the guided journey and lots of questions . I am there to shepherd them through proven practices , almost like a counsellor , only without the couch .”
Another challenge stems from the nature of the pharma industry itself . Walker says : “ What most needs changing in pharma supply chains is the legacy mindset and a culture of risk aversion . These organisations fall into the trap of thinking they can ’ t do something because they ’ ve always done it that way . With this mindset they don ’ t ask the right questions .”
Questions , he says , such as : How do we create this experience within the bounds of the rules ? Will the market dynamics change that would make this a viable solution ? What is the level of risk tolerance we are willing to take ? How can we partner with the regulatory bodies to influence change ?
On the latter point , Walker says that , in his experience , regulatory bodies like the FDA are “ very willing to hear you out if you ' ve got a compelling approach to solving industry challenges ”.
As for barriers to digital transformation , Walker says that here things are playing out just as they have in other sectors .
Barriers to transformation take time to overcome “ I see lots of barriers other industries have gone through and have overcome ,” he says . “ It just takes time . The nice part of having a cross-industry background is I ' ve seen how other supply chain organisations have dealt with this level of change .”
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