Medical Marketing Consultants

The FDA has steadily increased its enforcement focus on supplier controls – a critical potential weak link in medical product manufacturing. Manufacturers can outsource goods and services but not regulatory responsibility or product liability.

Devices pose a unique set of challenges because of the exceptionally wide range of supplied products and services and a reliance on suppliers from other fields, who have limited knowledge of medical risk factors and regulatory requirements.

Another hot-button issue in all segments of the life sciences industry is full service fulfillment outsourcing. In the medical device sector, outsourcing initially took hold in the manufacturing phase, and companies raced across borders and oceans to capitalize on low-cost labor for potentially large profit gains.

Several trends are driving the need for single-source partners. Among these trends are rapid market growth and the emergence of new industry-spanning market segments. New markets, such as those for combination products and advanced drug delivery, are more complex than traditional markets.

Top business thinkers have known for some time that logistical success often equals business success. If you can find a better way to move goods in and out of your
organization and put the right things in the right people’s hands at the right time—your chances of success go up dramatically!

As the logistics outsourcing model continues to mature, companies are realizing that outsourcing key areas of sourcing, kitting and fulfillment can impart large productivity gains that translate into competitive advantages.

Medical device companies and medical marketing consultants, in turn, expanded their universe of external partners. But problems arise when too many outsourced firms are involved. Relying on a number of different suppliers to get a medical device to market can be inefficient and time-consuming. In response, medical device manufacturers have begun seeking partners that can provide full-service outsourcing and mail order fulfillment services.

Partnerships typically begin with a formal assessment process that helps evaluate the strategic elements of an organization’s outsourcing needs and short or longer-term “consult-to-action” retainer relationships often develop.

Programs for a formal logistics assessment look at an integrated supply-chain management approach to ensure more efficient movement of materials in and out of an organization including: procurement, warehousing, packaging, assembly, kitting, distribution, returns management, quality inspections and tracking with the ultimate goal of improving inventory visibility and velocity. 

By storing, assembling and distributing all manner of goods more efficiently, you will be able to positively impact your bottom-line. To learn more about how you can capitalize on low cost outsourcing, click here.



Jon Nugent | Director Client Services
Business Intelligence Solutions | www.busintellsol.com

According to a new article on third party logistics in Next Generation Pharmaceutical, “traditional pharmaceutical and medical device companies, along with newer biotech and equipment enterprises, are increasingly working together to produce systems that link drugs with devices and diagnostics. Their products are sent to consumers through multiple distribution channels: traditional wholesale, direct to pharmacies, to retailers for sale over-the-counter and directly to consumers’ homes”.

Bill Hook, UPS vice president of global strategy for healthcare logistics writes “These diversified channels can provide new revenue streams and new growth areas. However, manufacturers’ focus can be lost and critical errors made, particularly in transportation and distribution, when dozens of participants are involved”.

Outsourcing supply chain fulfillment operations is increasing for companies to regain their focus and remain competitive despite new market challenges. A third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help streamline the process – particularly in post-manufacturing handling and distribution.

In fact, more than two-thirds of pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics manufacturers surveyed in recent years by consultants at PRTM said they use or plan to soon use a 3PL. By using a 3PL, products can be moved quickly from manufacturing site to store shelf or dispensary. Quick market introduction is enabled because the distribution channels are already in place.

As the medical device industry continues to expand, companies are searching for ways to become more competitive. Medical device manufacturers are faced with intense competition, increasing regulatory pressures, shorter product life cycles, rapid new product introductions, globalization and higher quality standards. As a result, there is an increased focus on creating efficiencies in the supply chain similar to other industries.

Companies today are looking for Supply Chain Services and innovative technologies with proven best practices to improve service levels while reducing inventory and labor costs. In the process, customers gain end-to-end visibility to align their corporate business strategies and processes to their global supply chains.

Globalization

Perhaps the most prominent factor that medical device companies have embraced supply chain outsourcing has been the increase in the number of companies operating in the global marketplace.  Companies are embracing global sourcing, production, centralization of inventories and the centralization of information. 

The difficulties of operating in a global environment can’t be understated; logistics and supply-chain networks have become far more complicated.  Meeting the need to plan and manage logistics as a complete and integrated system has also become far more difficult. 
The best solution for a global company or a company wanting to become global is to outsource their logistics operations.

Jon Nugent | Director Client Services
Business Intelligence Solutions | www.busintellsol.com

• Research and Analysis:  who are your best prospects?
• Data Appending:   what is of interest to them?
• Nurture Marketing: how best to speak to them?
• Lead Generation:  how can they easily interact with you?

For those of you that believe that email and the internet will be the answer to your advertising woes, Google knows differently. Their direct mail pieces have become a common sight in the postal carrier’s bag for the past 18 months. Offerings range from $100.00 credits for their services to referral rewards of gift certificates for a Latte at Starbucks.

Continuous communication is the KEY to a successful direct mail program. Google knows this and is reaching out with a direct mail campaign that touches their prospects a minimum of 10 times per year.

While there may be irony in the world’s largest internet search engine using direct mail, Google knows that nothing can target a market better. Not radio, not TV, not newspapers and not a search engine.

In my humble opinion, Google is giving a "thumbs-up" to Direct Mail. So if you need more than post card mailing service, The Allied Group can develop a program tailored to your specific marketing needs. You might not have Google’s budget but chances are Direct Mail will work for you too. Call us for a consultation and let’s talk about it.

We are the experts in marketing to college students, medical marketing consultants, data appending, contract packaging 3pl, full service fulfillment, coupled with web design branding and supply change management strategies.