TTM delivers these benefits through unique systems that allow you to access vast quantities of technical information in a way that complements how you think. Instead of having to locate and search through reports and documents to find a particular piece of information or data (or even determine if it is available), TTM lets you quickly find the information first, and then the information leads you to the original source documentation.

In addition, you instantly see the status of the information so that the entire critical technology can be quickly audited. All that in as little as three clicks of your mouse. TTM makes finding information dynamic, not overwhelming, and promotes a knowledge-driven, innovative, learning organization.

How does TTM work?
TTM begins with the assembly of a customized technology transfer file (TTF). The TTF is designed to assemble and transfer product and process knowledge, not just information and data. It is built around a comprehensive information checklist that contains short indexing descriptions of all the specific technical information necessary to develop and manufacture the product. The checklist is organized so that it can be easily searched and maintained, and it serves as an annotated index of all the information and documentation contained in the TTF. Checklist items are selected by a cross-functional team of experts; for example, a team might include representatives from Research and Development, Technical Services, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Manufacturing and Legal. Thus, technology transfer between organizations such as R&D and Manufacturing is seamless because the TTF contains the information that is critical to both. Finally, the checklists can be reused, modified, and improved for new products to reflect a continuously improving organization.

Point-and-Click Information Links
The technology transfer file is organized in the same order as the checklist to facilitate a point-to-point link from checklist items to the associated information. The TTF contains the actual information or data (or a descriptive summary of the information) designated by the individual checklist items, as well as direct references to the source or sources of that information (such as reports or other documentation). The TTF information may also contain editorial comments (such as why information is not complete or available, etc.). Thus, one simply clicks the mouse to move from a checklist item directly to the TTF information. To view the original source documentation, one clicks on the references listed adjacent to the TTF information, and the documents appear on the screen for review or printing. In addition to documents, the electronic TTF can also support multimedia such as color pictures, audio recordings and short videos.

These electronic TTFs can be stored on CD-ROMs or computer network databases. For example, TTM can be implemented using document management systems that you already may be using, such as Documentum, thereby adding significant value to your already installed software systems. A Total Technology Management TTF is designed to be a dynamic and comprehensive reference. As development progresses or processes change, or new information and documents are added, the checklist is updated, and a revision record is maintained to record the changes. As old information is superseded by new information, the obsolete information is linked electronically to the new information so that the actual development history is never lost.

Hard copy Form
The TTF system can also be assembled in a hard copy form. In this form, the checklist serves as an annotated table of contents for the TTF. The TTF is indexed and organized by dividers in ring binders. The reference documents are placed in appendices which are also maintained in indexed binders, and superseded or obsolete documents are maintained in separate binders. While the hard copy system captures many of the features of the TTM system, it does not have the speed, convenience, or multimedia of the electronic version. For example, a recently completed TTF for a marketed pharmaceutical product consisted of six 3-inch ring binders. Nevertheless, even with the hard copy form, access to all your critical information is as easy as opening a binder and turning a page.

Applying TTM can be valuable during any phase of a product's lifespan. For products early in development, the checklist is the path to the future -- it lists the information needed and facilitates resource planning to fill the information gaps. For example, each piece of information can be aligned with project milestones using Critical Path Management (CPM) or other project planning tools. The checklist can also be subdivided to meet particular business needs such as regulatory filings and development reports.

For projects late in development, the checklist serves as a technology inventory which can identify key information gaps, ensure smooth production scale-ups and validation, and provide a critical information source for troubleshooting, regulatory filings, and inspections. For mature products in production, TTM helps to control process drift, serves as a key resource for developing new products, educates new employees, and adds substantial value to product outlicensing efforts.

Thus, from development through manufacturing, Total Technology Management can add substantial value to a company's intellectual property portfolio. By managing knowledge, not just information and data, TTM can help your company unleash the full value of its products and services well into the 21st century.