Collaboration often develops into long-term partnerships, which can produce tremendous value. On the other hand, mismanaged partnerships can also spur frustration and dead ends. A common example is the consultative exchange, which often leaves Sponsors with a wealth of advice — but no path to implementation. Without the operational means to execute the strategy, they are back to square one.
The Strategy to Success
To make the most of consulting engagements, Sponsors should aim to partner with teams that not only demonstrate specialized knowledge, but also the ability to put their own advice into action. The difference between the two can be difficult to spot — but probing for anecdotal examples gives tremendous insight. It is always worth the time to ask prospective partners about the types of challenges they have been brought in to solve, and the specific steps they take to arrive at solutions.
Another indicator of an implementation-oriented partner is use of technology. Whether looking at companies of larger scale who offer full clinical trial management systems, or smaller teams with specialized programs and solutions, Sponsors will benefit far more with robust technologies at their fingertips.
Nuances of Clinical Supply Chain Management
Some aspects of conducting clinical research benefit from highly specialized support. Sourcing and managing ancillary supplies for clinical trials is a prime example. There are countless approaches to outsourcing ancillary supply and equipment management, but some will only place greater burden on the Sponsor when all is said and done.
Ancillare developed the Clinical Trial Ancillary Supply Chain (CTASC™) approach for precisely that reason. While Sponsors need to make informed decisions about their clinical supply chains, they also need support to innovate along the way. The consulting component of CTASC is an invaluable resource for Sponsor teams, particularly in the planning and start-up phases. It bolsters risk management in clinical trials, and ensures that protocol considerations do not take a backseat.
Sponsors can also choose to turn over their ancillary supply chain management entirely, reaping the benefits of an end-to-end solution. A fully managed CTASC means no loose ends after the engagement comes to a close — everything is handled, all the way through to returns, reclamation, and disposition.
CTASC™: a Holistic Solution
Ancillare is reimagining what consultative partnerships in clinical research can be. CTASC makes supply chain expertise practical, with hands-on support to bring entire strategies to fruition. Our engagements are flexible, and we work closely with Sponsors to address and relieve unique pain points. To find out how Ancillare can support your team, contact us today.
