Highlights
The following key points are discussed in this article about the role of communications technology in life sciences product development:
- Production consistency standards across all manufacturing locations
- Integration of a communications system with other business systems and applications
- Challenges caused by more global operations and the importance of shared, cloud-based business systems
- Benefits of communications technology in meeting regulatory compliance requirements
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The life sciences sector has seen increased emphasis on collaboration among distribution channel partners. Additionally, the use of technology for more production consistency has grown in recent years. These factors contribute to the increased importance of communication inside production plants and between producers and other product channel members.
A comprehensive, cloud-based communications system is ideal for coordination inside life sciences production facilities and for collaboration with channel partners. It is also important to have a solution that integrates with other business systems for holistic data management, planning and coordination, and communication efficiency.
How a unified communications platform can impact your life sciences business
The following is a look at how such a unified communications platform can impact your life sciences business.
Production consistency
Regulatory bodies and distribution channel partners have pushed life sciences manufacturers for heightened levels of product consistency. The objective is to have each product meet the exact same standards for appearance and functional capabilities. This consistency is essential to the industry’s ability to earn trust in the marketplace based on product quality and reliability.
To achieve near-flawless consistency, producers rely on artificial intelligence tools to detect problems with machinery and equipment before problems come to fruition. AI tools can detect when issues with machine processes and other production factors will likely cause erratic product outcomes. Cutting off problems before they occur avoids wasted materials, resources, and production time.
A holistic communications platform ensures that all relevant team members are on the same page with production planning and implementation. It allows decision makers to alert operators when interventions are necessary.
Integration with other business systems
The life sciences sector is fully immersed in a digital transformation. In particular, the industry has recognized the need for cloud technology. The product registration process, along with the decentralization of product data, has contributed to greater reliance on shared technology solutions. With cloud-based software, geographically-dispersed representatives can access shared resources, which creates a holistic view of critical data and resources.
Modern manufacturers also use a large number of business systems to manage data, communication, workflows, and other operational tasks. To optimize efficiency and consistency, it is important that your unified communications platform integrates effectively with other systems used for data-gathering and analysis, AI tasks, design, and production.
A holistic, cloud-based system enables life sciences players to share and coordinate the use of data from patient studies, promotional platforms like social media, and supply chains. Shared data stockpiles help channel partners stay connected in their collective pursuit of satisfying end customers in the product distribution system.
Flexible global production capabilities
Perhaps the most complex role of communications technology in the life sciences sector involves collaboration among participants in a global operation. Life sciences has become much more end-customer-centric in recent years. This viewpoint means that manufacturers and resellers want to collaborate on production, storage, inventory management, and transportation. Collaboration allows for the best value to the end customer, which is necessary for the sustainable success of all industry participants.
A central challenge lies in maintaining coordination among key employees across globally dispersed units. With a comprehensive communications solution, holistic views of data and operations are possible. Cross-continent data sharing contributes to the ability for companies to maintain production consistency across all locations. It also allows representatives to easily converse with each other on any popular communications platform, share data and documents safely and conveniently, organize and store notes on production processes and meetings, and much more.
Another use of AI in life sciences involves the identification of silos or bottlenecks in the distribution system. If a materials supplier is experiencing shortages or transportation delays, for instance, shared data and automated intelligence allow for early recognition. When manufacturers realize issues such as this exist, they can more quickly adapt to maintain production schedules.
Regulatory compliance
Medical device and equipment manufacturers have seen a significant increase in regulatory standards and compliance challenges in recent years. Governments around the world want companies to have a unified view of all data stored and used for operations. This enterprise-wide view dictates a technology infrastructure that relies on cloud-based software for gathering data and enabling sharing across all offices and business units.
Regulatory agencies require organized document submissions containing required data. Companies need a communications system that allows for effective organization of data, coordination among various team members in document development, and efficient submission of documents to the right authorities in the format mandated.
RingCentral leads the way for life sciences communications
Fully integrated technology drives greater industry collaboration and optimized production efficiency in the life sciences sector. It is essential to the current life sciences industry and its effort to work toward optimized product development. The ability for your business to compete in the modern production arena is dependent on keeping up with technology and innovation and embracing an integrated technology ecosystem that ties your communications system together with other key business systems.
RingCentral offers one of the best cloud-based communications solutions available. It allows for cross-platform communication, organized data and record-keeping, scheduling coordination, virtual meetings, and integration with critical business systems. It has all the features your life sciences company needs to stay at the forefront of the industry, along with advanced security features to protect the privacy and security you need for your data.
See how cloud communications are transforming life sciences today. Get the demo.
Originally published May 10, 2022
