A methodological framework for mapping KPI interdependencies in the pharmaceutical industry: A matrix-based approach

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry, whose origins date back to the 15th century, has evolved into a complex research-intensive sector characterized by uncertainty in product development, the protection of intellectual property, and high profitability. In today’s globalized and highly competitive environment, the ability to monitor and optimize organizational performance has become necessary. Key Performance Indicators have emerged as strategic tools for translating corporate objectives into measurable outcomes, guiding decision-making processes, and enhancing competitiveness. Therefore, this paper examines the strategic role of KPIs within pharmaceutical companies, highlighting their importance in aligning operations with corporate objectives and distinguishing between continuous manufacturing and discrete manufacturing. A methodological framework is proposed to analyze the interrelationships among KPIs, beginning with the selection of relevant indicators from the literature, the analysis of their mathematical formulations and underlying data, and progressing to the identification of interconnections between Base Data, Intermediate Metrics, and the KPIs. The application of this approach enables a deeper understanding of systemic effects in performance measurement by providing decision-makers with an analytical tool capable of mapping cause-and-effect relationships and predicting the impact of operational decisions on overall production performance.