In order to maintain competitiveness, life science organizations are leveraging technology now more than ever to enhance decision-making, create innovative business models, and improve customer experiences. Many are considering the integration of new technology as a strategic move to streamline operations, standardize processes, and generate predictable lead times, all while fostering greater accountability across their organization’s value streams.1 Nevertheless, it’s important to note that technology alone cannot guarantee improved performance or outcomes and the process of selecting the appropriate system for an organization can be inherently challenging.2 Here are three fundamental best practices that will help in establishing a solid foundation when evaluating potential solutions for your organization.
- Define Clear Objectives and Requirements:
To conduct an effective system evaluation, it is important to start by clearly defining objectives and requirements. Objectives should articulate the overarching goals of your organization concerning the new system, ensuring alignment with your strategic vision. Requirements should encompass specific functionalities and features, addressing both functional and non-functional aspects. Key considerations should include aligning the system with existing business processes, prioritizing scalability and flexibility, and detailing integration needs. Understanding user requirements, compliance, and security considerations are also critical for a successful implementation. Additionally, you should account for budget constraints and resource availability, as well as establish a realistic implementation timeline.
- Engage Key Stakeholders:
Engaging key stakeholders throughout the evaluation process is vital for making a successful and informed decision regarding system selection. By involving representatives from various departments, you can gain diverse perspectives and identify requirements specific to the needs of different teams.3 This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership, leading to increased buy-in from end-users and decision-makers. Ultimately, your organization must recognize that meaningful change is driven by people and that involving key stakeholders early in the decision-making process is a key factor in achieving a successful decision on system selection and a better outcome post-implementation.
- Do Your Research:
Conducting thorough research is a critical step in the system evaluation and selection process. It provides the necessary information needed to make informed decisions, offering insights into the features of available systems, the reliability of vendors, user feedback, and security and compliance evaluations. It is also important for effective financial planning and long-term sustainability, providing essential information on cost, compatibility, and scalability. By employing a data-driven approach and acquiring a comprehensive understanding of available systems, your organization will be better equipped to make strategic decisions, avoid pitfalls, and ensure the successful implementation of a system aligned with your goals and requirements.
How Sequoia Can Help
Sequoia Biotech Consulting is a strategic partner for life science companies wanting to establish a solid foundation for evaluating new technologies. Our team of expert business analysts and highly skilled program managers is committed to ensuring alignment with your organization’s strategic vision, fostering collaboration among your teams, and providing the necessary insights for informed decision-making on the right system based on your specific needs. With decades of experience and extensive proficiency across multiple systems, we excel in successfully evaluating, selecting, and guiding the implementation of scalable, fit-for-purpose solutions aimed at streamlining operational efficiencies for our clients. Through close collaboration with your team, our goal is to actively engage your people, optimize your processes, and leverage technology to consistently deliver lasting value to your customers.
Ready to learn how Sequoia can support your organization in the evaluation and selection of new technologies? Book a consultation with one of our experts today.