Challenge How to leverage significant investments in product development when customization to your customer’s specific requirements is what makes them buy and come back for more. Landscape In the rapidly growing field of post-approval studies for pharmaceuticals, MIDIOR’s client offers a comprehensive solution which includes design and implementation of data collection instruments, applications hosting and data management, help desk operations and custom reporting. Although there is a high degree of overlap in the product functionality offered to different customers, most engagements include a significant amount of customized software development. The CEO believed that development of a standardized set of internal tools and processes could serve the needs of multiple customers and increase overall productivity and quality Process Working with the company’s key software developers and data operation managers, MIDIOR created a technology plan converging on a common platform serving the requirements for every customer engagement. The scope of this platform included specification of reusable software modules, standardized operating environments for the data center, and definition of tools to support the design and deployment of drug and medical device post approval program. To assure the success of this move from custom development to a unified, platform-based solution, MIDIOR facilitated cross functional meetings and provided support to product and platform management teams as they internalized their roles in this new approach to product development and delivery. Results Within six months, the new technology platform was in operation, resulting in a 50% acceleration of project timelines. In addition, significant cost benefits are now being realized through a more efficient and effective quality process. The resources which had been consumed by incremental enhancements and maintenance to various project implementations can now be allocated to core platform development serving many customers. This fundamental change in how the company views product development enables more rapid introduction of new features which gives the company a competitive advantage. At the same time, the organization realizes greater return on technology investments. Last, but certainly not least, MIDIOR’s engagement has resulted in happier and more productive development teams who see their work closely aligned with the overall success of the company.
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