Why PPM Alone Falls Short in the Life Sciences Industry

The title might seem provocative, but it captures a truth we've observed: PPM software, in its standard form, often falls short in the Life Sciences sector. While PPM tools are excellent for generating standardized reports and performing basic portfolio analysis, they lack the comprehensive functionality needed to truly add value in this complex and highly regulated industry.

Here’s why:

1. Speed to Market: PPM systems, on their own, don't significantly accelerate product launch timelines.
2. Product Lifecycle Management: Managing the intricate product lifecycle—from conception to market—is challenging without integrating additional specialized tools.
3. Effective Project Governance: PPM tools do not fully support the rigorous governance needed for life sciences projects, which often require granular oversight and coordination across multiple departments.

Where PPM Excels with Integration

PPM software can become an invaluable asset when integrated with other operational systems, such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, RIMs, QMS, and data management platforms for product launch planning.

Common Challenges with PPM Implementation in Life Sciences

From our experience in implementing PPM solutions in the Life Sciences industry, we've encountered several challenges:

• Complex Formulation Management: PPM tools struggle with managing formulation details, such as understanding what is being developed, in what composition, for which market, and in what format (e.g., tablets, liquid, etc.). This complexity often leads to delays and errors.
• Cross-Departmental Misalignment: There is often significant misalignment across various departments—Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Purchasing—regarding product value, sales expectations, and business case development. This is particularly evident when deciding on the exact product to launch, such as the type of pill, packaging, and regulatory approvals required for specific markets.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) Process: Transitioning from project phase to actual SKUs and their components (BOM) is critical. However, aligning all stakeholders and ensuring consistency in the NPI process is often a challenge that PPM tools alone cannot solve.
• Business Case and Budgeting Process: Establishing a clear business case and budget, particularly in coordination with country-specific sales targets rather than generic marketing estimates, is essential. Local teams understand their markets best, and their insights are crucial for accurate planning.

Conclusion: The Case for Integrated Solutions

In conclusion, relying on a standalone PPM solution does not deliver the value that life sciences companies expect. PPM must be integrated with other systems to facilitate data input from multiple sources and ensure all stakeholders are aligned with a single point of truth.

• Clear Processes: Processes for product advancement and approval steps must be transparent, with clear alignment between NPI, supply chain, and production areas.
• Structured Business Case Management: A well-structured business case process is essential for strategic decision-making, enabling companies to focus investments on high-return, strategic opportunities.

Tailored Solutions for Your Needs

To truly enhance your operations, it’s essential to assess your current organization and data management practices. Only then can you define processes supported by IT solutions that save both time and money. Contact us directly via

• WhatsApp at +393288141675
• Email at grizzo@Platflow.ch

to schedule an introductory call and explore how we can improve your internal and external processes to generate value.

Please also visit our site: https://www.platflow.ch/en/