Tefen asked to benchmark biotechnology industry
A landmark study of operations management in the biotech industry is set to give Europe's first insight into key issues for one of the world's fastest growing sectors. A consortium of major biotech companies asked operations management consultancy Tefen to conduct its US and Europe-wide study following the success of Tefen's pharmaceutical benchmarking survey in 2001. Designed to set industry standards by formally evaluating and comparing critical business processes in the industry, initial results of the study are expected by July 2003.
The Biopharma Operations Excellence Consortium, which includes companies such as Amgen, Chiron and Wyeth, initiated the study to gain a crucial insight and operational data from five key areas: manufacturing, quality, logistics, maintenance and engineering. The first stage of the survey began at the end of March 2003 with a questionnaire and on-site interviews on operations management practices.
With more than 15 companies already participating in the study, the findings will enable large organisations and industry leaders to compare their own performance with that of their peers, while smaller operations will have a roadmap of operational excellence for future growth. In addition, both quantitative and qualitative results from European companies will be compared instantly with those of their counterparts in the US.
Director of the life science sector at Tefen UK, Guy Malchi, said: 'With the majority of patents expiring by 2010, companies are expanding into biopharmaceuticals and looking for a growth roadmap, which includes implementation of best practices. Tefen's approach will allow us to work closely with companies in the sector, providing the industry experience and dedication to meet those needs.'