At ISPE Singapore 2026, David Holt, Group Executive Director at Factorytalk, joined David Li, IT Experience Lead – Consumer Health Manufacturing Sites at Bayer, in discussing the evolving digital manufacturing landscape and what manufacturers should consider as they plan their transformation journeys.
Drawing on real-world experience, the conversation explores composable digitalisation, Bayer’s digital manufacturing journey, the growing role of AI, and practical lessons for life sciences manufacturers looking to accelerate digital transformation.
Why composable digitalisation matters for life sciences manufacturers
As manufacturing requirements continue to evolve, organisations need digital solutions that can adapt alongside their operations.
David Holt discusses why composable digitalisation is becoming increasingly important for life sciences manufacturers, enabling organisations to build interconnected applications around specific processes rather than relying solely on large, rigid systems.
This approach provides greater flexibility to start with priority use cases, continuously improve applications, and progressively scale digitalisation across operations.
Lessons from Bayer’s digital manufacturing journey
Digital transformation is not simply about introducing new technology. It requires organisations to understand their processes, engage the people who will use the solutions, and establish the right foundations for sustainable change.
David Li shares perspectives from Bayer’s digital manufacturing journey, highlighting practical lessons learned from putting digitalisation into action within a life sciences manufacturing environment.
The discussion reinforces the importance of approaching digital transformation as a journey of continuous improvement, rather than a one-time technology implementation.
Where does AI fit into the future of manufacturing?
AI is creating new opportunities to support how manufacturing applications are developed, operated, and continuously improved.
David Holt and David Li discuss how AI could support the future of manufacturing while highlighting the importance of applying it in a practical and controlled way particularly within regulated life sciences environments.
The opportunity is not simply to adopt AI, but to identify where it can create meaningful value while maintaining appropriate human oversight, governance, and control.
Advice for manufacturers starting their digital transformation
For organisations beginning their digital journey, the message is clear: start with real operational needs and build from there.
Rather than trying to transform everything at once, manufacturers can identify high-value processes, establish the right digital foundations, learn from initial deployments, and progressively expand successful solutions.
With the right combination of technology, people, governance, validation, and continuous improvement, digital transformation can become a scalable capability rather than a series of isolated projects.
Watch the full interview to explore what’s next for digital manufacturing in life sciences.
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