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What we doIPM's first step in our process with you is to define both the problem you face and a vision for the solution. It could be as simple as the impending departure of a key member of your team, and the need to document his or her institutional knowledge. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, your manufacturing process may be in trouble, and you must quickly reconfigure your operations or close down shop. Creating a big-picture strategy is critical to starting everyone off on the same footing, to ensure all team members share a common understanding of the project and agree upon specific goals to be attained. [close] Project roadmaps provide a solid framework for the time and effort demanded by each project: what your team needs to do, how to do it and the resources required. Not only does this assist higher management with portfolio planning -- a particularly difficult task in life sciences -- but protects project teams from being expected to do the impossible. IPM has experience tailoring roadmaps at the right level of detail to fit each project and each team. Unnecessary detail can overwhelm and confuse. Inadequate detail may not provide enough information to execute accurately. Project roadmaps can range from long-term, high-level milestones to fully detailed daily activity plans with links to all resource interdependencies. [close] IPM's real difference is execution. The best on-paper process means nothing if on-the-ground execution falls short. That means closing the loop on every project, every day -- whether it is a planned activity or an unexpected, late-breaking issue. We work at your side throughout the duration of your project and accept direct responsibility for its successful completion, on time and on budget. [close] When team members must interact across functions, time zones or even companies, efficient communications become crucial to meeting project objectives. In addition to logistical hurdles, communication "subcultures" can arise, even within a single company, so establishing a crystal-clear system for sharing information is important, especially when projects are complex. IPM will develop a communications plan that defines who needs to know what and when; identifies approval processes; establishes reporting formats and schedules; and even specifies ways in which impromptu information exchanges (e.g., hallway conversations) get funneled into the formalized communication process. Via a well-structured system, the team can agree upon goals, raise and resolve issues, and become a unified, cohesive group, even if continents apart. [close] The facilitator's role is to lead the decision-making process with impartiality, while ensuring that any objections that arise are resolved or mitigated. IPM professionals use practiced facilitation skills to build trust and team unity, and to mediate through friction and political pressures to reach mutual decisions in support of project goals. As an objective third party, with no agenda except the best interests of the project, IPM can act effectively to bring disparate teams to concensus. [close] Business alliances are crucial drivers of the life sciences industry. But while hundreds of new collaborations are created yearly, half of them fail to meet expectations - mostly due to a critical need for improved alliance management. IPM has helped collaborations stay on track and rescued others from the brink of collapse by working from a neutral, objective perspective to facilitate decision-making, orchestrate communications, solve problems and create "micro-cultures" that enable alliances to succeed. (See our article, Smooth Sailing for Pharma-Biotech Alliances: Skilled Project Management Can Navigate Stormy Seas, published in BioExecutive International, December 2005.) [close] Apply proprietary methods and tools At IPM, we continuously tailor our approach to drive best practices, which includes a well-defined process to achieve successful outcomes. We do not endorse specific project management software packages, but use tools that fit the size and culture of your organization. For all the assistance technology offers, we have found that exceptional soft skills and a disciplined process far outweigh the value of the latest tool or template. [close] |
Where we can helpIPM works with clients to create a framework to thoroughly assess new product candidates from technical, regulatory, financial and commercial perspectives. The process facilitates appropriate prioritization and investment decisions, and sound strategic portfolio planning and management. [close] Product and technology development IPM helps life sciences companies harmonize the vast multitude of activities that must coalesce with precision to bring a product to market. For companies with established, time-proven processes, IPM professionals integrate into your product development teams to facilitate the steps required to convert your embryonic candidates into full-fledged products. For companies that seek to improve performance, IPM develops and implements processes, tools and templates to make your product development teams more organized, efficient and results-driven. The outcome is often lower development costs, reduced risk of failure, and faster time to market. [close] At every point in new product development, a technology transfer can occur: assay/analytical transfers, process transfers, product transfers, international transfers, transfers from/to third parties. Each transaction carries its own unique challenges, compounded by material, knowledge and information transfer at each handoff. IPM guides your tech transfer teams to maximize information flow and knowledge exchange while protecting proprietary data. We help you recognize and resolve problems, accelerate decision-making, and prepare for conflict resolution in order to execute the transfer effectively. [close] The preparation of regulatory submission packages is a daunting effort. IPM works with your regulatory experts to guide the process of preparing final packages for the appropriate regulatory authorities. This includes proactive follow-up and issue resolution with the numerous functional departments responsible for authoring submission sections or providing critical data. At other times, IPM develops and implements processes, tools and templates to make the submission process run more smoothly. [close] Once a product is approved by regulators, launch becomes the critical next step to commercial success. Some companies focus so much on regulatory approval that launch lags for months, costing potentially millions of dollars in lost revenue opportunity. IPM has helped clients get products out the door and into the marketplace as soon as 48 hours after regulatory approval. We work with you to ensure a successful, timely launch through proactive, focused planning and execution. Our project managers facilitate the development of required documentation; start of volume production; planning and execution of marketing activities; training of sales and support personnel (internal and external); filling of channels; and customer support preparedness. [close] Regulatory compliance issues often throw a wedge into schedule and work flow, as everyone galvanizes into action. IPM can provide urgent, focused resources to help you correct the problem at hand, minimizing disruption to your ongoing operations. In addition to our U.S. experience, we have helped clients bridge intercultural gaps to resolve global compliance issues. [close] Supply chain and manufacturing optimization IPM works with your operations team to examine and optimize the processes required to get from raw materials to end-customer delivery - including purchasing, production, inventory management, warehousing, shipping, and even customer returns. Together, we uncover and implement improvements in discreet operating processes or the entire chain. The resulting savings drop right to the bottom line as profits, while any improvements in delivery time can be a competitive advantage if rivals can't make and deliver products as quickly. [close] We collaborate with your quality management group to facilitate the resolution of quality issues that may arise. When needed, we develop and implement processes, tools and templates to assure ongoing compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ISO standards, company standard operating procedures, and other quality requirements. [close] Facility customization and build-out IPM focuses on the challenges involved with construction, renovation, equipment installation and other capital investment projects. We support your team throughout the entire project lifecycle - planning through implementation. Since we have no ties to the engineering or construction industries, our project managers have no related biases and serve only one purpose - to objectively represent you, our client, in ensuring that budget, schedule and quality objectives are met. [close] Project management office creation Establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) provides your team the structure that enables consistent project execution. No more starting from scratch. IPM provides guidance and training, as well as standardized best practices, tools and templates. We'll also help you determine methodologies for ongoing improvement and portfolio management. We don't offer "PMO in a box." We have learned that there is no uniform recipe for success - it's important that the PMO structure closely fits to a company's corporate culture. [close] And more.... Such as: Accelerating change management Business process optimization R&D process mapping Sarbanes-Oxley process implementation Project management training |
