Outgrowing Excel? 11 Key Questions for Life Sciences Companies Selecting Supply Chain Planning Software

Choosing the right supply chain planning software is a critical decision for any company in the life sciences sector. Each company has its own unique challenges, so consider these scenarios as starting points to evaluate your needs and find a solution that fits best.

1. Attribute-Based Planning (ABP)

Some companies may need software that supports attribute-based planning, especially when dealing with restricted lots or lots that haven't received full regulatory approval. You might find value in a solution that offers flexibility for partial regulatory releases and restricted lots. For those needing aggregation planning to meet FDA requirements, software that handles planning at an aggregate level to calculate days of supply could be beneficial.

2. Analytics Capabilities

Analytics capabilities are increasingly essential but can vary greatly in importance depending on the company. Some companies may find value in features like future lot expiry analytics, production shortage alerts, and QA prioritization tools.

3. Lot Availability and Management

Managing lot availability can be complex in life sciences, and not all companies will have the same requirements. Some might need software that supports different batch sizes, while others may need features for managing dynamic safety stocks or reserving specific lots for future production. Consider whether these functionalities are critical for your operations.

4. Integration with Existing Systems

If your company uses multiple systems for different functions (such as LIMS for laboratory management), integration capabilities in supply chain software can be highly beneficial. For those who manage clinical and commercial demand separately, or link production plans to project timelines, robust integration features will be more relevant.

5. Bill of Materials (BOM) and Recipe Management

For companies where BOM management is a priority, the ability to handle flexible BOM effectivity dates, calculate BOM accuracy, and manage alternate recipes may be crucial. If your organization frequently needs to adjust recipes or make substitutions, this type of functionality could be a significant advantage.

6. Capacity and Resource Management

For some organizations, effective capacity and resource management are essential, especially when dealing with shutdown periods, variable lead times, or labor requirements. If your company needs scenario planning to calculate long-range production plans or CAPEX costs for major capital projects, you should ensure the software can accommodate these needs.

7. Demand Planning and Forecasting

Not every company will require the same level of demand planning and forecasting flexibility. If managing forecast spreading (daily, weekly, monthly) or integrating independent material demands is important for your operations, look for software that supports these features. For others, a simpler forecasting model may suffice.

8. Quality and Compliance

Quality management features like retest intervals, integration with QA systems, or managing pack and fill at risk will be more relevant to companies heavily regulated in terms of quality and compliance. Not every organization will need advanced quality management functionalities, so consider your specific requirements in this area.

9. Shelf Life and Safety Stock Management

Shelf life and safety stock management needs can vary significantly across companies. If you manage products with limited lifespans or need to adjust safety stocks dynamically based on product launches and other lifecycle events, look for software that offers these capabilities. For others, standard safety stock management may be sufficient.

10. Scenario Planning and Constraint Management

Some companies may benefit greatly from advanced scenario planning and constraint management features, like time-phased lot yields or constraint prioritization. If your operations involve frequent changes or require significant flexibility in managing production constraints, consider these features in your software selection.

11. Sourcing and Units of Measure (UOM)

Flexibility in sourcing rules and units of measure can be critical for some companies, especially those with complex supply chains or varied production processes. If you need to manage sourcing rules on a time-phased basis or require frequent conversions between units of measure, ensure your software can handle these tasks efficiently.

Conclusion

Selecting supply chain planning software for life sciences is not a one-size-fits-all decision. These considerations provide a framework for identifying the features that may be important for your specific needs. Evaluate each scenario based on your unique challenges, and prioritize the features that align with your operational goals and regulatory requirements.