PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY :
Technology Transfer
  Client:   A world leader (one of top five) in the pharmaceutical industry with a global footprint, recognized as a standard-setter within the industry.
     
  Problem:   The client recognized that its technology transfer process was not consistent or state-of-the art across its subsidiary companies, representing major top-line and bottom-line opportunities in improving how to get new products to market and move products between operational centers.
     
  Approach:   Tunnell Consulting was asked to work with an international team comprised of executives and scientists from R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Technical Services to redesign the processes and systems that supported technology transfer. Tunnell supplied subject matter expertise, project management support, process and organizational design experts, and team facilitation. As-is process maps were created for existing processes and documentation streams, and a systems gap analysis was done. Critical metrics were identified and existing data collected against those metrics. Some 700 tasks were identified and catalogued with an accompanying glossary to account for terminology differences across the global network of operations. This was then converted into a four-fields matrix map which served as the basis for the team's redesign work. Functional key stakeholders were involved throughout the project, providing critical information, data, and the identification of problems and functional gaps that had to be addressed. The core team was then responsible for the process redesign and implementation plan. The resulting process redesign was validated/refined through interaction with key stakeholders, then a subset of the core team was given the task of supporting the follow-up implementation.
     
  Results:   The creation and implementation of a state-of-the-art technology transfer process that became the standard through all divisions of the parent company. The development of a knowledge management technology that transformed the exchange of documentation, data, and information related to any product throughout its development and commercialization. A cycle time reduction of four to eight months in the transfer of product/process from development through commercialization. Significant improvement and restructuring of process development, resulting in more robust processes and more successful process transfers. Significant improvement in participation and linkages across all functional elements throughout the technology transfer process. Identification of appropriate metrics for tracking process/product transfers. Establishment of the basis for on-going improvement and tracking of process/product performance throughout lifespan of products. Provision of document trail and archive methodology to support all regulatory filing activities, including preparation of CMCs, PAIs, and regulatory compliance throughout the product life-cycle.
       
   
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