From Bottleneck to Breakthrough: QC’s Automated Evolution

This session will examine QC as a full end-to-end continuum and explore where automation and AI can realistically make an impact. Panelists will discuss real-world bottlenecks, highlight where automation is already helping and outline where AI-driven analytics can add value by improving consistency, interpretation, and decision-making. The discussion will separate practical solutions from hype and provide actionable insights for teams building QC workflows capable of supporting higher volumes and faster turnaround times.

Key Focus Areas:

The QC Continuum: Where Bottlenecks Really Form

 * How in-process QC checkpoints — not just release — create delays, variability, and sampling burden
 * The ripple effect: how early QC challenges impact downstream release timelines

Automation First: What Can Be Solved Today

 * High-impact automation opportunities that reduce manual work and operator variability
 * Integrating automation with existing LIMS/MES and data-flow systems
 * Examples where simple automation has delivered measurable performance gains

Where AI Helps — and Where It Doesn’t

 * AI-enabled data interpretation and reduction of subjectivity in complex assays
 * The role of AI in enhancing data analysis, predictive QC, and process optimization
 * Avoiding unnecessary complexity: identifying workflows where AI isn’t necessary or adds operational risk

Future Outlook: Building QC for Commercial Scale

 * Designing QC workflows that support higher batch volumes and faster decisions 
 * Connecting automated QC with manufacturing systems to enable end-to-end visibility
 * What therapy makers need from future automation partners to truly close the gap