Compliance and improved processes to come from pharma ERP

Client services better integrated with improved materials and manufacturing planning, improved group-wide financial reporting and full compliance with FDA 21 CFR 11 regulations are key goals at Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Services (PDMS) for its ERP. The company awarded the contract to SSI for its Tropos system because: “It fitted with our business practices and our plans for future integration with other manufacturing execution systems,” says PDMS managing director Graeme McBurney. “It also had good practical add-ons, like the reporting toolbox. And we knew that TROPOS integration with Oracle Financials was proven,” he adds. As for the rationale, he says: “To manage and grow a successful business in a highly competitive and regulated marketplace, we knew we needed better scheduling, forecasting, purchasing and stock control. “We were constrained by manual processes for reporting and scheduling. We had to calculate our material requirements manually, which meant if we encountered any changes to our forecasts we had to re-calculate.” Modules selected include Tropos Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Application Development and Integration Tools, alongside Cognos business intelligence, an Oracle database and Oracle Financials. Hardware includes HP application and web servers, using Windows, and RF mobile data collection devices.