Interview: Driving transformation in pharmaceutical packaging together
Collaborative expertise and integrated solutions that deliver lasting value
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a fundamental process of development and change, marked by increasing automation and standardization, as well as a growing need for flexibility in handling smaller print runs and product individualization. As a specialist in pharmaceutical printing processes, Hapa assists its international customers in this transformation with expert guidance and innovative software and printing solutions. In this interview, Alfred Mast, Software Solutions Consultant at Hapa, shares insights into the key considerations and how Hapa is enabling customers navigate this evolving landscape with integrated, future-ready solutions.
What important parameters and requirements do you perceive in customer contact? Where are currently the biggest challenges for companies?
Alfred Mast: Our customers can be at very different stages of transformation, with varying challenges in each case. What unites them all in our unique area of activity, however, is that they are all navigating digitalization. We are seeing an acute need for action here, as customers want to future-proof their technology and are exploring the market for suitable new solutions that can keep pace with the rapid changes in the industry. Such systems must also offer a high degree of flexibility and precise alignment with existing processes, while scalability and user convenience are also key criteria.
How do you support your customers along this journey?
Alfred Mast: The most important aspect is to precisely understand and analyze the customer's printing and packaging processes. It is important to find out where the real problems lie and what a customized, future-proof solution might look like.
At Hapa, we recognize that packaging is often one of the most complex and underestimated parts of pharmaceutical production. It’s not always the primary focus, yet it plays a critical role in compliance, efficiency, and product integrity.
Our strength lies in the deep expertise of our team and the long-standing relationships we’ve built with our customers – some of which span decades. Trust is crucial in this highly demanding environment. After all, depending on the size of the customer, we are dealing with several hundred validated artworks that require a high level of integration into new printing technologies and software solutions – without triggering time-consuming and costly approval procedures again. This is why we emphasize intensive collaboration with our customers from start to finish for every project. Hapa meets its customers exactly where they are in the field of digitalization and automation and overcomes every stumbling block until a new system runs reliably and flawlessly. This level of depth and commitment is something only Hapa can offer.
What else distinguishes Hapa from the competition? Are there any unique selling points?
Alfred Mast: Another advantage, I believe, is that Hapa made a name for itself in the pharmaceutical sector. From early on, we’ve shaped our solutions based on real customer needs. This customer-centric mindset is why we’ve consistently relied on open, standardizable printing and software systems – ensuring seamless integration with upstream and downstream processes.
In turn, we benefit from the international trust that is placed in us when new issues arise from the entire pharmaceutical industry. The broad-based portfolio and the transfer of expertise that we can draw on as part of the Coesia Group also contribute to this. This strong backing ensures that our customers can rely on long-term innovation and continuity, making their investments in new technology both secure and future-ready.
How can Hapa help customers simplify and automate their packaging workflows?
Alfred Mast: One of the most time-consuming and error-prone areas in pharmaceutical packaging is the handling of artwork and the preparation of print and inspection data. We’ve developed solutions designed to automate these steps as much as possible – from converting validated artwork into machine-ready formats to integrating inspection data into the workflow.
With tools like Make Ready, which generates templates from existing artwork and enables variable data to be pulled automatically from customers’ ERP systems, we help significantly reduce manual effort, setup times, and the risk of inconsistencies. This not only speeds up implementation but also minimizes the need for revalidation.
The goal is to create a seamless, reliable process that fits into existing production environments and supports long-term scalability. By automating key steps in the graphic chain, we enable our customers to focus more on quality and compliance and less on repetitive technical tasks.
One of Hapa’s goals is to assist customers implement fully digital workflows. In your opinion, what needs to happen for this goal to be achieved in the near future?
Alfred Mast: Developing and implementing automation solutions is a long-term journey. In my view, what’s needed most is a stronger push toward international standards that allow all software and hardware systems at the customer’s site to work together seamlessly.
For a truly end-to-end digital workflow to function effectively, all upstream and downstream processes must be considered and optimized. This requires ongoing collaboration across disciplines and open dialogue about how automation fits into existing production control environments, including ERP systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems, and line controllers.
What other trends do you see emerging in the pharmaceutical industry in the coming years?
Alfred Mast: The requirements for serialization and individualization in pharmaceutical packaging will continue to grow. This includes increasing legal obligations as well as the growing international aspects of IT and cyber security of the technologies used.
Our solutions are designed to meet these challenges head-on. We’re continuously enhancing our automation capabilities in close collaboration with our customers to ensure they remain flexible, compliant, and future-ready in a rapidly changing environment.
Driving change together – now and into the future
As pharmaceutical packaging becomes more complex and critical, Hapa is working with companies to stay ahead with expert support and seamlessly integrated, future-ready solutions. From automating artwork handling to enabling fully digital workflows, Hapa empowers customers to reduce risk, enhance efficiency, and meet evolving industry demands.
Let’s explore how we can drive meaningful transformation together – connect with Hapa to start building a smarter, more agile packaging process.