Diary entry no.5 — implementing integrated solutions

In this instalment, R&D software provider, IDBS, lists the four considerations that are important when implementing integrated solutions.

There are multiple stages in the drug discovery process. Each stage involves different kinds and amounts of data being generated, all of which need to be effectively captured, managed and analysed.

Many organisations use tailored software solutions or applications at each stage. However, integrating data generated across multiple solutions, from different providers, can be difficult and slow down operations.

To help, there are many integrated platform solutions available, creating a seamless data capture, analysis and reporting experience. Using a platform rather than several siloed applications has many benefits, such as reduced admin time, increased transparency and data integrity.

Before implementing these kinds of solutions though, there are four things pharmaceutical organisations need to consider:

1. Usability

We often hear ‘technology is only limited by its user’. The simplest software in the hands of a technological guru can work wonders, and the most advance software in the hands of a novice will be wasted — but what does this mean for pharma?

Pharmaceutical organisations looking to invest in the latest software need to consider who will be using the technology. The right balance between functionality and usability needs to be struck. It is vital for organisations to remember where scientists’ strengths and expertise lie — which is in scientific discovery, not software wizardry.

Organisations need to identify which software has the relevant functionalities and will produce the most return on investment, but also understand which solution will be easiest for scientists to use daily. Constant compromising on either usability or functionality does not have to be the norm, however. When vetting software vendors, organisations should look at the user interface and select a vendor that will provide thorough training for new users to ensure a smooth onboarding process or even better something that is so intuitive as to require minimal (ideally learning on demand) or no training.

2. Compatibility

It is logical to partner with a technology provider that offers the latest software for your specific area of operation. However, there are other elements to consider, such as compatibility with the existing IT infrastructure and your potential provider’s track record within regulated environments, as well as selecting a solution that as much as possible future proofs the investment.

Not all vendors provide solutions that can smoothly integrate with existing systems. Organisations need to be smart and select a technology partner that will allow for seamless integration, which usually results from a mix of APIs with out-of-the-box integration applications.

It’s also important that the technology partner has a series of certifications in place, such as SOC2. This ensures that the software has been tested multiple times and is free from any bugs.

3. Scalability

Growing pains are a double-edge sword — it’s great that your organisation is expanding, but now you also have to update your software to facilitate this growth. Growing pains are especially poignant when different departments grow at different paces.

Organisations can save time and significantly reduce their costs by choosing a holistic cloud-based vendor over multiple solution providers. Adopting a fully integrated Software-as-a-Service model is very cost effective as:

• It enables organisations to pay only for what they need and use.
• Users can access the platform from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling them to access data in real-time and to continue their work, ultimately speeding up the research process
• Sponsor organisations can protect their IP by ‘owning’ the tasks and tests within the platform.
• Collaborating parties can operate in a connected environment and can quickly adapt as research and regulations change and develop.
• IT departments can reduce their total cost of ownership (IT) and resource allocation.

In other words, a cloud-based model should painlessly scale as your organisation grows.

4. Security

The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly using cloud software, but not to its full potential. Some organisations are still apprehensive about migrating their software to a complete cloud-based environment as there is a misconception that using one cloud provider for all data management needs is too risky — while dividing applications across multiple providers reduces risks. This isn’t true. Splitting software applications across multiple solution providers doesn’t dilute risk, but does dilute security, return on investment and efficiency. It also increases cost.

Partnering with a single provider increases an organisation’s visibility and reduces the number of authorisation access points. With one solution provider, organisations can clearly view who is authorised to input, share and analyse data. This reduces the admin and processing time to amend and update authorised users when necessary.

There is also a huge benefit to having one provider protecting an organisations’ precious IP. With a single unified support network, organisations can secure their data and focus their resources and energy on achieving their business objectives rather than handling the technology.