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ERP SOFTWARE FOR PHARMACEUTICALS & MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANIES

THE ROLE OF ERP IN LIFE SCIENCES AND PHARMA

ERP APPLICATIONS FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL & LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRIES

ERP APPLICATIONS FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL & LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRIES

The life sciences and pharmaceutical industries are among the most regulated sectors globally, requiring meticulous management of sourcing, procurement, regulatory compliance, and more. The increasing complexity of operations in these sectors presents unique challenges, making it essential for companies to adopt modern, scalable solutions to stay competitive. This is where Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software comes into play. SAP Business One can help revolutionizing how companies in the life sciences and pharma industries manage their operations, streamline processes, and maintain compliance.

Easily achieve regulatory compliance

How N’ware helped MSC Optimize Operational Management

Founded in 1971 in Dublin, Medical Supply Company (MSC) is a family-run business and one of Ireland’s largest laboratory suppliers. With over 50 years of experience, MSC leads the way in providing reagents, equipment, and cutting-edge technology to clinical diagnostics and research markets. Serving hospitals, research institutes, academic sectors, pharmaceuticals, and food production sectors, MSC counts a team of 12 doctorate or masters level salespeople and 17 service engineers. They offer on-site installation, validation, commissioning, troubleshooting, services, and repairs, ensuring comprehensive support for their equipment.

KEY BENEFITS OF ERP FOR LIFE SCIENCES AND PHARMACEUTICALS COMPANIES

Industry challenge

Regulatory Compliance Support

Regulatory compliance represents one of the most significant challenges for life sciences and pharmaceutical companies due to the rigorous and ever-evolving guidelines established by regulatory authorities such as the FDA , EMA, and ISO. These organizations enforce strict standards to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of products. ERP systems streamline the procurement process by automating supplier management, contract negotiations, and purchase order approvals. This leads to:

How SAP Business One helps

  • Maintaining comprehensive documentation for every stage of production, including employee qualifications, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Instructions for Use (IFU) documentation linked to specific products.
  • Enabling full product tracking and traceability of raw materials to finished products, using batch, lot, serial numbers, and Bill of Materials (BOM) versioning. This ensures swift responses in the event of product recalls.
  • Simplifying annual audits through automated reporting and documentation, reducing the burden on quality assurance teams.

Industry challenge

Regulatory Compliance Support

Regulatory compliance represents one of the most significant challenges for life sciences and pharmaceutical companies due to the rigorous and ever-evolving guidelines established by regulatory authorities such as the FDA , EMA, and ISO. These organizations enforce strict standards to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of products. ERP systems streamline the procurement process by automating supplier management, contract negotiations, and purchase order approvals. This leads to:

How SAP Business One helps

  • Maintaining comprehensive documentation for every stage of production, including employee qualifications, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Instructions for Use (IFU) documentation linked to specific products.
  • Enabling full product tracking and traceability of raw materials to finished products, using batch, lot, serial numbers, and Bill of Materials (BOM) versioning. This ensures swift responses in the event of product recalls.
  • Simplifying annual audits through automated reporting and documentation, reducing the burden on quality assurance teams.

Sourcing & Procurement Optimization

In the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, sourcing and procurement are critical functions. These industries rely on a steady supply of high-quality raw materials and chemicals. ERP systems streamline the procurement process by automating supplier management, contract negotiations, and purchase order approvals. This leads to:

  • Cost savings through better vendor relationships and optimized procurement strategies.
  • Reduced lead times by identifying the most reliable suppliers.
  • Minimized supply chain disruptions, ensuring a consistent flow of raw materials.

Asset Management

Effective asset management is essential to optimize manufacturing efficiency and reduce downtime. ERP systems provide a centralized platform for tracking and managing equipment, Field Service Maintenance (FSM) schedules, and calibration records. This leads to:

  • Improved asset utilization, extending the lifespan of expensive machinery.
  • Reduced operational costs by predicting and preventing equipment failures.
  • Streamlined compliance with industry standards related to equipment maintenance.

Integration with R&D and Patent Management

Research and Development (R&D) are at the core of driving innovation and progress within the life sciences sector. These activities are critical not only for advancing scientific discovery but also for ensuring that companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. An ERP system plays a vital role by integrating :

  • Enhanced collaboration between departments, ensuring faster time-to-market for new products.
  • Efficient patent management, protecting intellectual property while reducing the risk of infringement.
  • Data-driven insights to optimize product development processes.

Streamlined Sales Processes and Multi-Channel Approach

ERP solutions help life sciences and pharmaceutical companies adapt to a multi-channel sales approach by centralizing sales data, streamlining workflows, and ensuring consistency across various channels such as healthcare providers, distributors, and direct-to-patient models. These systems enable efficient management of diverse customer segments while maintaining compliance and accuracy. Key benefits include:

  • Aligning manufacturing operations with market demand, enabling rapid response to changing customer needs.
  • Providing accurate costing for products, which is essential for financial analysis and forecasting.
  • Integrating web and carrier systems to give a clear picture of how operations are running, which is crucial for order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

WE HELP PHARMACEUTICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES MANUFACTURERS INCREASE THEIR BOTTOM-LINE

WE HELP PHARMACEUTICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES MANUFACTURERS INCREASE THEIR BOTTOM-LINE

WE HELP PHARMACEUTICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES MANUFACTURERS INCREASE THEIR BOTTOM-LINE

Distribution of Laboratory Products

“Working with Business One through N’ware allows us to not worry about our business processes. We have confidence in the product and people to focus on the driving forces of our business, without having to question what is happening behind the scenes.”

– Cian Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Medical Supply Company

“The people at N’ware really understand our business, which in turn allows us to customize our Business One experience and move towards the future seamlessly.”

– Emma MorganChief Financial Officer, Serosep

Distribution of Diagnostic Solutions

Manufacturing & Distribution of Pharmaceuticals

“I recommend SAP Business One to everyone. We couldn’t run our business without SAP. It’s our engine and has helped us grow from $1.2 million sales to a $7.2 million company today.”

– Alaysha Lucy-McCarthy, COO, Apotheca, Inc.

WE HELP PHARMACEUTICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES MANUFACTURERS INCREASE THEIR BOTTOM-LINE

WE HELP PHARMACEUTICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES MANUFACTURERS INCREASE THEIR BOTTOM-LINE

Distribution of Laboratory Products

“Working with Business One through N’ware allows us to not worry about our business processes. We have confidence in the product and people to focus on the driving forces of our business, without having to question what is happening behind the scenes.”

– Cian Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Medical Supply Company

“The people at N’ware really understand our business, which in turn allows us to customize our Business One experience and move towards the future seamlessly.”

– Emma MorganChief Financial Officer, Serosep

Distribution of Diagnostic Solutions

Manufacturing & Distribution of Pharmaceuticals

“I recommend SAP Business One to everyone. We couldn’t run our business without SAP. It’s our engine and has helped us grow from $1.2 million sales to a $7.2 million company today.”

– Alaysha Lucy-McCarthy, COO, Apotheca, Inc.

ERP & Business Applications Built for Pharma & Life Sciences Manufacturers

SAP Business One enhances profitability for industrial manufacturers and suppliers by streamlining operations, optimizing inventory, and improving production planning. Its integrated platform provides real-time insights into costs, facilitates better supply chain management, and enhances sales through improved CRM. Data-driven decision-making, reduced administrative burden, and increased customer satisfaction contribute to overall cost reduction and increased profitability.

Demonstration of financial information being displayed on a computer monitor and a laptop

ERP & Business Applications Built for Pharma & Life Sciences Manufacturers

Demonstration of financial information being displayed on a computer monitor and a laptop

SAP Business One enhances profitability for industrial manufacturers and suppliers by streamlining operations, optimizing inventory, and improving production planning. Its integrated platform provides real-time insights into costs, facilitates better supply chain management, and enhances sales through improved CRM. Data-driven decision-making, reduced administrative burden, and increased customer satisfaction contribute to overall cost reduction and increased profitability.

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF ERP SOLUTIONS

Medical Devices & Equipment Replacement

Medical Devices & Equipment Replacement

Medical devices must adhere to stringent quality and safety standards, with extensive documentation required for compliance. LISA WMS, integrated with SAP Business One, offers comprehensive warehouse management to ensure:

  • Accurate tracking and traceability of devices through their lifecycle.
  • Efficient inventory management, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
  • Simplified compliance with global regulations through automated documentation and reporting.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by complex manufacturing processes and stringent regulations. ERP solutions helps by:

  • Ensuring accurate warehouse management, especially for sensitive drugs like opioids and cancer treatments that require tight control over inventory.
  • Supporting batch and lot traceability to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Facilitating repackaging and managing drug formulations for different markets, reducing time to market.

Dental Tools

Dental Tools

A dental tool manufacturer that is leveraging N’ware Technologies’ in-house warehouse management system, LISA WMS, which is integrated with SAP Business One, can for sure achieve:

  • Full traceability of components like tungsten and titanium across production cycles.
  • Optimized warehouse operations, ensuring high-value tools are securely stored and efficiently retrieved.
  • Streamlined compliance documentation to meet both local and international regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL FEATURES

Costs Analysis & Financials

An ERP’s built-in analytics tools track time and cost spends on different aspects of the production cycle. This data allows manufacturers to identify inefficiencies and implement measures to optimize spending and reduce overall production costs.

Material Repair and Overhaul

An ERP software maintains detailed records of repairs, tracks parts used, and logs the time taken for each task. This comprehensive oversight helps manage service timelines effectively and ensures equipment uptime.

Advanced Manufacturing

ERP platforms integrate seamlessly with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as CAD/CAM systems and IoT-enabled machinery. This connectivity allows for real-time data flow, enhancing productivity, precision, and quality control.

Quality Control

A critical aspect of industrial manufacturing is quality assurance. ERP solutions streamline the process by offering built-in quality management modules that track quality checks at various stages of production.

Warehouse Optimization

ERP systems help manufacturers proactively manage equipment maintenance schedules, preventing unexpected breakdowns and ensuring consistent operational efficiency. This predictive maintenance approach minimizes downtime and extends the lifecycle of machinery.

BOM version Control

An ERP system ensures that updates to BOMs are tracked accurately, maintaining version control to prevent costly errors in production. This functionality is particularly valuable when customizations or product variations are frequent.

Planning & Scheduling

ERP solutions facilitate advanced planning and scheduling capabilities, enabling manufacturers and distributors to manage capacity, allocate resources effectively, and plan production runs that align with demand forecasts. This reduces bottlenecks and improves workflow efficiency.

Machine & Apps Connectivity

The ability of ERP software to integrate with manufacturing machines, CAD, and truck scales allows for seamless data collection and monitoring. This capability supports predictive maintenance, real-time adjustments to production processes, and enhanced equipment efficiency.

RELATED DOWNLOADS

SAP Business One

LISA WMS

LISA warehouse management system for SAP Business One brochure by N'ware Technologies

CREATIO CRM

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