The DNA of Innovation Behind Digital Transformation in Synthetic Genomics
Digital transformation is bringing new efficiency and adaptability to synthetic genomics, a field where every DNA sequence is tailored to specific research or medical needs. Unlike traditional manufacturing, this area often deals with unique genetic constructs, requiring custom workflows and careful planning. Organisations must use modern digital tools to meet the dual demands of efficiency and strict regulatory standards. Within this dynamic environment, Ritesh Thakur has played a key role in streamlining how organisations produce and deliver synthetic DNA.
In the U.S., Ritesh led a significant upgrade at a major synthetic DNA manufacturer by introducing SAP S/4HANA, a digital platform for real-time management of supply chain and operations. This upgrade made coordination between planning and shop-floor activities smooth and adaptive, which is essential when every order has its specific requirements. The new system let teams adjust quickly to changing customer needs and improved the way materials and production schedules were organised. Discussing his work, Ritesh added, “I led a supply chain transformation initiative that enhanced planning and manufacturing processes by utilising SAP S/4HANA systems for a leading synthetic DNA manufacturer.”
Building on this transformation, a major challenge that the specialist addressed was oligonucleotide manufacturing, where each batch can differ based on customer specifications. He implemented a variant configuration approach linking planning systems to the manufacturing floor, which cut manual data work by 80%. This freed up staff to focus on solving technical challenges and spurred innovation. Reinforcing the link between enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution also shortened transaction times by 50%. For high-demand products, specialised component planning brought lead times down by 40%, giving the company a clear edge.
Equally important was ensuring product integrity. Quality control is crucial in synthetic genomics, where even minor mistakes can disrupt research or therapy. Ritesh closely integrated quality assurance with all digital systems, allowing for automated verification of consistency and purity. This setup aligned with standards from regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA, while ensuring compliance didn’t slow operations.
Beyond practical projects, the tech strategist has contributed to industry knowledge through his research, including “Overcoming Challenges in Oligos Manufacturing: Within an Enterprise Framework” and “Revamping the Manufacturing Bill of Materials with the Power of Digital Twins.” These papers offer insights on managing the complexities of synthetic DNA production using enterprise-wide digital frameworks and digital twins to improve planning and operational efficiency.
Drawing from these experiences, it’s clear that the future of synthetic genomics is set to be shaped by ongoing technological innovation and the thoughtful application of digital tools. Advances in machine learning, automation, and predictive analytics promise to enhance the accuracy, speed, and scalability of DNA synthesis, meeting the growing demands of research and healthcare. Successfully navigating this complex and highly regulated field will require a nuanced understanding of both biological processes and digital systems. As the industry evolves, embracing integrated, adaptive technologies will be crucial to maintaining precision and flexibility, ultimately enabling synthetic genomics to continue contributing vital advances in medicine and science.
