Why the ERP system is critical to data processing within Life Science
Proper data processing is vital to any company, not least within life science, which has high demands in terms of approved data processing. There are many reasons for the high demands, but they naturally reflect the impacts and risks commonly associated with the company and that the products have on human health. Having the right level of system support has become increasingly important. In the following, we will look at why ERP systems are critical and what special challenges life science businesses commonly face.
An ERP built for high demands and strict standards
It is no secret that life science businesses are fiercely regulated and required to follow strict standards and guidelines in terms of production, quality, distribution and data processing.
Life science often processes vast amounts of data from different sources, including R&D, production, sales and marketing. Proper and efficient data processing is in many cases decisive for management and staff being able to make informed decisions and optimize the company. The ERP system allows you to integrate data and generate an overall picture of the company. In order to do so, it is important that the data is correct, reliable and can be traced back to the source. Ensuring this requires system support that makes sure that all data collection, processing and reporting is standardized according to defined guidelines.
Moreover, there are different regulations and standards to take into account such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) which require documented quality assurance of data processing and products to be able to verify that they comply with the quality requirements.
Traceability and the importance of security
Traceability is another key element within life science since the industry must be able to trace its products and data throughout the production and distribution chain. This includes tracing materials, equipment, staff and manufacturing processes. Moreover, the documentation of all data processing must be maintained to support compliance and quality assurance. It is often the ERP system that keeps track of this and ensures that all processes and data processing are undertaken according to the guidelines.
It is also important to have a plan for protecting your data and ensuring that it is used securely, which includes everything from network, server and application security to ensuring that the entire staff has the right data security training. Ethics is another important aspect since life science often processes sensitive data, and ethical guidelines are in place that specify that all collection and use of data must be done in an ethical manner to not violate the rights or integrity of individuals.
Automatization makes work processes more efficient
An efficient ERP system is vital for life science companies and helps automate processes and manages everything from regulatory and quality requirements, the product life cycle, clinical research, business finances, stock and logistics and document handling.