TECH OUTLOOKMarch -20199While industrialization often leads to better outcomes ­ quality, productivity, faster turnaround time and lesser risk ­ we also have observed that it invariably leads to better client satisfactionTo better understand industrialization, let's frame a process or service as a set of activities or logical "blocks" of work, executed in a certain sequence: The blocks can be measured (turnaround time, productivity, quality). Each of the blocks can aligned by the skill needed to deliver thatblock of work. Hence, the block of work is delivered by a role with the appropriate level of expertise. The roles are located at regions that offering the best value (customer proximity, availability of talent, productivity, quality). Blocks of work can then be subject to various OpEx interventionsto further improve the process and end outcome.While industrialization often leads to better outcomes ­ quality, productivity, faster turnaround time and lesser risk ­ we also have observed that it invariably leads to better client satisfaction. Often client facing roles (typically Project Managers) are responsible for a significant number of activities that do not necessarily need to be performed by them. Identifying these blocks and executing certain activities through a different role enables the PM ultimately to focus on what matters in the study: improved quality of service and better communication.Last but not least, industrialization also serves as a risk mitigation lever, which is a critical aspect while working with sites and patients. Industrialization places greater emphasis on continuous improvement, thus raising the bar of quality service to sites and sponsors.The Top three Risks in Today's EnvironmentThe shift in trends that we observe today emphasizes the need for improved industrialization in the clinical trials industry, surrounding three key risks:1. Increasing protocol complexity ­ Protocols designs are gettingmuch more complex and higher numbers of amendments.2. The emerging biopharma model ­Significant growth in clinicalresearch is within developing economies and emerging biopharma. The experience and standardization in these countries and organizations is quite low, with a need for teams that can help them to better manage unknown risks.3.Cost optimization and productivity improvement­ Reducing healthcare costs and providing affordable healthcare continues to be a much discussed topic.Best Practices to Prepare for 2019 and Beyond: Three Key Takeaways:1) Industrialization of Enablement Functions ­ Significantindustrialization opportunities exist on enablement functions that support operations: training, recruitment, quality. This may not have a direct impact on process, but it has a material impact on outcome. For example, a technology provider can achieve had great success in industrializing its training function through leveraging technology, and mapping of roles to improve the quality of training. 2) Change Management ­ Industrialization is a journey andcommitment to transform the eClinical industry. Every company is different, so the pace of adoption needs to be calibrated. Ideally, employees will go through a learning process as an organization re-aligns to support and tailor to the needs of its clients. A commitment from top management and following a change management process are critical to embed the principles of OpEx.3) Industrialization is Not an End in Itself ­ Industrialization andautomation must go hand-in-hand. Seek opportunities to automate standardized administrative processes and upskill your staff for higher value activities. Use technologies to automate various support processes including resource management, workflow and project management. Finally, while industrialization provides a means for continuous improvement, organizations should not miss out on opportunities to invest in managed innovation intervention, which will drive more creative, disruptive thinking. As we go through the next bend in the curve of the OpEx journey, I look forward to what's ahead for our industry as we work together to synchronously improve the safety, standards, and quality of life for patients in clinical studies.
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