As organizations in the life sciences industry face an evolving industry, there’s pressure to adapt to new technology trends for better operational agility and compliance.
“Life science companies have taken great steps toward digital transformation of their operations,” said IDC research manager Michael Townsend. “Technologies such as cloud computing, analytics, IoT, and social data [are being] widely deployed.”
Across industries, an outsourced IT partnership can enable many business benefits, from fewer risks to superior service. 2018 research from Computer Economics reveals that firms can realize the greatest potential for cost savings when outsourcing functions such as help desk, disaster recovery, and data center operations. Outsourcing security and application maintenance can significantly improve service quality.
In a highly-regulated, quickly-transforming industry, life sciences organizations face special considerations when selecting an IT partnership. Compliance, IT security, digital transformation, service quality, and industry-specific experience are all key factors to consider.
Outsourced IT Company: 4 Factors to Consider for Life Sciences
1. Consider Compliance
With mounting regulatory requirements and expanding information systems, a recent Deloitte report revealed just 25 percent of life sciences organizations had access to real-time compliance reporting. “Most companies do not possess a full understanding of the universe of compliance responsibilities, and there is a pressing need to develop a more integrated compliance view.”
When evaluating potential outsourced IT partnerships, regulatory risk should be a key consideration. Look for providers who offer the skills and experience needed to improve compliance and oversight, as well as a track record of improving transparency by implementing big data systems.
2. Fast-Track Security
Life sciences organizations face a unique set of information security requirements and risks. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- A need to protect high-value intellectual property from external and internal parties
- Security processes which must accommodate employees, researchers, contractors, distributors, and the supply chain
- The need for security controls which conform to fast-changing compliance requirements
Successfully outsourcing IT requires selecting a provider who considers IT security a strategic priority. The right 3rd-party IT company will have direct experience with the unique risk landscape of the life sciences industry, and the capacity to create a dynamic security posture for the organization.
3. Focus on Strategy
Simply having IT is no longer a strategic advantage in life sciences. The most innovative organizations are using a variety of technologies to turn data into knowledge and exceptional business outcomes. “Companies are now looking past the technology and focusing on results and outcomes to improve efficiency, safety, and quality,” states IDC’s Townsend.
Selecting an outsourced IT company involves more than simply finding a 3rd-party vendor to manage help desk and web operations. Ideally, this partnership can drive strategic excellence throughout the organization and scale quickly in response to growth and changing requirements. When choosing a partnership, focus on outsourced companies who can provide consultative services and drive digital transformation throughout the organization.
4. Evaluate Customer Care
Coupled with industry-specific knowledge and expertise, the quality of customer care and service can be a key factor in shaping the quality of an outsourced IT partnership experience. Life sciences organizations face steep pressure to scale and transform technology. The right partnership should provide exceptional support with proactive support and maintenance and personable, expert support representatives.
Outsourced IT Companies for Life Sciences Organizations
In the life sciences industry, regulatory requirements and a complex security landscape have created a complex IT ecosystem. When combined with digital transformation pressures, there are significant requirements for outsourced IT partnerships for life sciences organizations.
The right outsourced IT provider should offer industry-specific knowledge of risks and security requirements, and create a trust-based relationship for long-term problem solving and IT growth.
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