Welp MagazineThis industry is broad and unique in many ways, mainly because it “develops” as companies go through the life cycle from pre-clinical phases to the approval or market phase. There are distinct requirements at each phase of the life cycle.
Why you need an ERP for Life Sciences?
Even though there is a lack of specific IT requirements, Life Sciences require a more software-intensive approach, especially because of the unique business processes they have.
It is also due to the importance of the IT intervention in the process. Because it is so much more software driven, a poor implementation will result in a major loss of time and money and jeopardize the entire launch.
Picking an ERP for Life Sciences
When you plan to pick an ERP system for Life Sciences, you need to look at all the physical and virtual business processes. There are a few key processes that give valuable information about the functions you need to focus on.
So, depending on the type of organization, make sure to select the right set of functions for the type of business. Select the system that will support the processes you need in the line of your business.
Once you have selected the functions, it is time to “dig up” the source list of the functions. You need to know which of these functions are the most valuable ones for your company and are mandatory, conditional or optional.
ERP vs legacy systems
Experts say the main difference between legacy systems and ERP systems is the adoption of new and innovative techniques, technology “solutions”, and the designing of the interface.
For instance, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is one of the latest trends inherent in the modern ERP. Together with the Cloud technology and mobile apps, it is explained that modern ERP systems are much faster and efficient.
But before you migrate to a new system, you need to make a thorough analysis. You need to know the performance, usability, and scalability of the legacy system and the benefits that are deriving from it. Once you see the difference, you will understand the importance of the new system.
So, you need to do a thorough analysis before migrating to a new system. And you need to assess the benefits that will derive from that.
Planning of the ERP implementation
Before diving into the ERP implementation, you need to plan the required tasks that are to be carried out. Also, you need to understand the required resources that you will need for the successful management of the implementation.
Then, monitor the process step-by-step. This is one of the most crucial steps in the process. Whenever you make changes, new tasks are added to the list, and additional resources are required.
The actual implementation and planning are carried out in two steps: in the planning stage, all the required elements are gathered, and then, the pre-implementation stage is carried out by the implementation experts. A plan is also devised for the post-implementation period.
ERP Implementation Process
The ERP implementation process requires the full attention of the IT Director, and the implementation team needs to follow the process in a very strict manner. The project manager has to control all the elements, time, and resources, and needs to plan the addition of additional resources and budget. The project is given complete and special attention, and the project team after the implementation needs to manage the production.
This process is complex, as it is a race with time. However, it is efficient and productive, due to the use of an ERP.
Consequences
The implementation team and your company have to asses the consequences of the implementation. The functional teams and the management team have to work together to determine the results.
ERP implementation in Life Sciences
Because Life Sciences are sensitive, the implementation team needs to pay attention to all of the processes that come up throughout the life cycle. ERP’s are quite complex, so the task is quite significant. The management and implementation team have to work together in order to ensure the efficiency of the process during the implementation.
