Chapter 9 - An insight of Internet of Things applications in pharmaceutical domain

Abstract

IoT (Internet of Things) refers to the interconnectivity of physical nodes (devices) embedded with actuators, sensors, network connectivity, electronics, etc., for the purpose of facilitating easy exchange of data in real-time scenario and thereby providing connectivity. Due to its applications in the practical world, IoT has the potential for completely revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry by automating and enabling remote patient monitoring, drug discovery, its access, and much more. With the integration of IoT into the increasing digitalization in this data-centric world, the pharmaceutical area consists of an immense amount of opportunities for large-scale disruption and overhauls in the industrial sector. Today’s era demands easier and fast access to health-care services. In the same manner the companies working in the pharmaceutical sector are also supposed to ensure the secure and safe transfer of drugs, better planned shipment and delivery, and clinical consequences. In order to facilitate speedy operations, it is required to harvest data in a way that will be both effective and well-organized, supplemented by obligatory analytics. In this chapter, we have briefly described the IoT trends and methodology that are being used in the pharmaceutical sector. Various aspects revolving around the role of IoT in the pharmaceutical industry have been discussed here. A sample case study has also been highlighted in the subsequent section of the chapter. In this case study a smart system for medical nursing based on wireless sensor networks, near Field communication (NFC), and radio-frequency identification technology has been discussed. This system not only promotes nursing home conditions but also upgrades the drug supply accuracy.