Where does ERP Implementation Fit into a Pharmaceuticals Drug Pipeline?
When considering the pharmaceuticals drug pipeline, it's easy to focus on product development, clinical trials, and getting FDA approval; however, implementing an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system is often overlooked.
ERP has a critical function in helping companies become more effective and economical while also guaranteeing quality control & facilitating processes.
Moreover, it allows them to track all pipeline process elements, from drug creation to manufacturing to delivery. As such, this article aims to clarify where ERP fits into the pharma drug pipeline and why it is so essential. Let us dive in!
Role of ERP in the Research & Development Phase
ERP can help streamline the management and analysis of data across multiple departments for better decision-making in product development.
Furthermore, ERP can track key information like costs, timelines, budgets, and resources - necessary when creating new drugs. Also, it facilitates the management of clinical trials by supplying greater awareness of relevant trial results.
Last but not least, it assists with managing regulatory compliance by providing insight into legal requirements and standards that must be met during R&D.
By ensuring that all applicable regulations are considered, ERP systems aid in releasing new drugs on time with minimized risk. So when should the implementation take place? In my experience, the best timing seems to be implementing a solution when the company is in the Clinical stage.
When to implement an ERP system related to the Drug Development Process?
So when should the implementation take place? In my experience, the best timing for most pharmaceutical companies is to begin implementing a solution when the company’s first drug is in the Clinical Development stage, particularly Phase II or Phase III, as approval becomes more likely, but still with enough time to go through the software selection and project before Precommercialization and Commercialization, when the system will be absolutely needed to facilitate regulatory compliance.
There is also some merit in the plans by some pharmaceutical companies, who have implemented the system during Preclinical Studies. This is done for the purposes of managing accounting and procurement, with such functions as project accounting and purchasing approvals, to have those tools in place for Clinical Development related activities.
Streamlining Manufacturing & Distribution With ERP Software
ERP software is designed to help companies manage their core business processes in one place. This eliminates the need for separate systems for inventory management, order processing, finance and accounting, customer relationship management, etc.
By unifying all these on one platform, companies can streamline their manufacturing & distribution process.
Benefits of Streamlining Manufacturing & Distribution with ERP Software
Enhanced Visibility: With an ERP system, you get visibility into your entire supply chain network – from raw materials to finished products. This enables you to make informed decisions based on up-to-date data in real time.
Improved Accuracy: By eliminating manual processes, ERP systems can reduce errors and improve accuracy throughout the life cycle of a product. Giving one complete control over raw materials selection and tracking, batch production & tracking, and quality assurance & control tracings—all of which are essential for the pharma production process!
Maximize Efficiency: Automating the manufacturing and distribution process with an ERP system allows companies to maximize their efficiency – from turning orders into cash quicker to optimizing inventory levels by forecasting demand accurately.
ERP implementation is invaluable when it comes to streamlining the manufacturing & distribution process of pharmaceutical drug pipelines as it provides greater visibility, improved accuracy, and maximizes efficiency throughout the process.
Facilitating Commercialization With an ERP Solution
The pharmaceutical industry can use an ERP solution to simplify commercializing their drug pipeline. This system helps track pricing, regulations, and the overhead associated with developing, manufacturing, and distributing medicine.
By having a comprehensive view of its product pipeline and sales & marketing processes, pharmaceutical companies can make better decisions, process orders faster, and increase efficiency throughout their business operations.
An ERP system provides one place where companies can access all the important information they need to develop and market a product successfully—something essential when striving towards success in the competitive world of pharmaceuticals.
Bottom Line
With the right combination of planning and preparation, an ERP system can help streamline and optimize the drug pipeline for any Pharma company. Reach out to John Hannan LLC to learn more about ERP for pharma businesses.