Stuart Powell, global head of product at Kallik, discusses the potential challenges associated with integrating software into a business’ pre-existing digital ecosystem, and the importance of interoperability.
In the complex world of medical and pharmaceutical device manufacturing, where precision and efficiency are everything, the integration of truly interoperable software is not merely a ‘nice to have’, but a ‘licence to operate’.
Digitisation is increasing at pace
Digitisation is now a key focus for almost every business, owing to the efficiency savings and impact on profit margins. For businesses operating in the aforementioned sectors, it’s common that several digital solutions will play a role in streamlining their day-to-day processes.
While Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are two of the most talked about, a number of solutions play their role in getting products to market more efficiently, including labelling and artwork management software.
If these solutions operate in silo, there’s a risk that key information isn’t passed along to the relevant departments and operational efficiency is hampered. Errors and oversights become more common and keeping on top of regulatory demands is difficult, to say the least.
The importance of interoperability cannot be overstated.
What to consider when integrating software
No matter the size of the business, implementing new software always comes with a number of decisions and queries. From understanding ROI to getting buy-in from those on the factory floor using the software day-in, day-out, no stone should be left unturned during the decision making process.
The main reason for this is because a number of challenges can – and all too often do, arise if the new, or current, solutions lack the functionality to work alongside each other.
Traceability
As well as hindering efficiency, siloed data and disintegrated systems can impact a businesses ability to accurately manage its supply chain. In fact, 55% of businesses are researching and actively looking to enhance their traceability efforts, a stat that only emphasises the importance of interoperable software.
Looking specifically at the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, it’s not just about tracking the products themselves, it’s about ensuring accountability and safeguarding patients. Without a seamless integration between their digital systems, manufacturers risk losing important data around content and expiry dates.
Not only does this compromise their ability to respond effectively to recalls or quality issues, it can also put patients at risk.
Maintaining brand consistency
Maintaining brand consistency also becomes much more of a challenge for those reliant on multiple solutions. This is especially true when it comes to labelling and artwork management. With the content having to make its way through various teams and systems the chance of inaccuracies creeping into each label, box or leaflet is heightened.
This process becomes even more complex for those reliant on a mixture of manual and digital processes. Using manual methods of auditing the accuracy and consistency of labels could result in mislabeled products or discrepancies in branding. Nurses, for example, are often the first to discover any issues with the authenticity of a product including labelling issues – meaning that the problem can often get as far as the hospital floor before being identified.
Integrating labelling and artwork management software
With labelling and artwork management software able to alleviate many challenges, free up staff time, assist with auditing and ensure regulatory compliance, the case for implementation is clear. Recognising the importance of interoperability, and understanding the challenges and consequences of data silos, we’ve developed software that is fully interoperable – helping businesses at every stage of their digitisation journey continue to drive efficiencies and improve operational performance.
