Today’s life sciences industry is increasingly reliant on advanced manufacturing processes and technology to keep up with ever-growing demands. However, while there are many facilities claiming to offer the necessary capabilities for efficient production, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
To help you determine which facility is best suited for your needs, here we’ll discuss criteria for selecting an ideal life sciences manufacturing facility – from choosing the right location, equipment and tech, to maximizing efficiency and achieving quality control goals.
Read on to learn more about what it takes to identify the perfect manufacturing facility.
#1 Location
The selection of the ideal life sciences manufacturing facility involves a considerate evaluation of several criteria, such as:
- proximity to suppliers and customers,
- access to transportation and infrastructure,
- local regulations, and labor laws.
Each of these aspects have their own benefits, costs, and advantages which must be taken into account when comparing different potential locations.
Urban areas tend to have better developed transportation networks than rural ones; domestic production offers greater control over quality than international outsourcing; and certain regions may have more favorable tax regulations or workforce characteristics that might prove beneficial.
In order to make an informed decision on where to build the facility that best meets an organization’s needs, knowledge and understanding of each of these situations is essential.
#2 Size and Capacity
When selecting the ideal manufacturing facility, size and capacity is an integral element to consider. To determine the correct capacity and size, scalability and potential future expansion needs must be explored. This can be done through a multi-stage process that weighs all associated factors such as item quantity projections, internal storage requirements, resource waste management and distributor sales performances.
Generally speaking, production scale falls within two main categories: small-scale or large-scale. Small-scale facilities typically serve a single purpose while large-scale operations consist of multiple production units which may expand into other areas of service.
Adopting either type of facility is dependent upon individual business goals; those who don’t predict future expansions should opt for the smaller model while larger companies with multiple product lines need to go large. In any case, studying various elements can guarantee one chooses the most suitable and cost-effective facility that fits their required capacity levels.
#3 Equipment and Technology
The 21st century has seen massive advances in the life sciences industry, as sophisticated manufacturing equipment and technologies help to boost production and quality control. When selecting a suitable facility for life sciences manufacturing needs, it’s important to consider the up-to-date technology and equipment available.
Automation plays an important role in ensuring maximum efficiency while mitigating human error, while data management can provide valuable feedback that helps to streamline working practices. Depending on the product required, one will need to assess the specific systems and technology offered by a potential facility before making their final selection.
Expanding upon initial evaluations may include reviewing available monitoring software and IT infrastructure, while seeking advice from those within the industry is also recommended. With all this in mind, advancements in technology and automation can go a long way in supporting effectiveness within any clinical or laboratory environment – helping to optimize life sciences standards for many years to come.
#4 Quality and Compliance
The life sciences manufacturing industry must ensure that standards and guidelines are followed in order to maintain the safety and efficacy of products. Quality and compliance are essential elements when selecting the ideal facility for your production needs.
It is important to evaluate a facility’s quality management systems, including its protocols for documentation and record-keeping, inspections and audits, as well as how incidents are managed. Ensuring that these measures meet appropriate regulatory affairs, GMP and FDA requirements is necessary to achieve maximum product quality with minimal risk.
Quality assurance departments should be consulted in order to evaluate these criteria thoroughly before committing to a contract. Taking this due diligence seriously will provide the best possible outcomes for businesses seeking the ideal life sciences manufacturing facility.
Selecting a manufacturing facility is a crucial decision for any company in the industry – one that can make or break success. With so much at stake, it’s important to do your due diligence and consider all factors before making a final choice.
We hope this guide has given you some insights into what to look for when selecting a life sciences manufacturing space. At our state-of-the-art facilities, we offer cutting edge technology and expertise to help you bring your products to market quickly, efficiently and compliantly.
If you’re ready to experience the difference working with us can make, contact us today!
