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Saving 8-figure growth projection Medical Device launch with QMS Gap Assessment and Remediation
#MedicalDevice, #Compliance #Remediation
Client: Small-sized Medical Device company preparing for a blockbuster expansion and client influx.
Challenge: Customer and Third-Party audits identified critical compliance gaps 180 days before expected launch date.
Solution: Deployed a rapid-response QMS review to triage findings and implement corrective actions.
Implementation: Closed all critical gaps, updated quality systems, identified unanswered CAPAs, employee training, and managed direct customer communication.
Results: Launch proceeded as scheduled, protecting $20M+ in projected first-year revenue.
Lessons: Early detection and immediate action are critical when regulatory issues threaten commercial timelines.
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Fixing a Broken CAPA System After Customer Audit Resulted in Business Rejection
#MedicalDevice, #Compliance #Remediation
Client: Small-size medical device manufacturer
Challenge: Ineffective Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system triggered critical audit findings and loss of business.
Solution: Rebuilt the CAPA system, focusing on root cause analysis and risk-based prioritization.
Implementation: Trained all departments on proper CAPA documentation, tracking, and closure.
Results: Successfully closed out all CAPAs (including those never logged) within 12 months, restoring full compliance.
Lessons: A robust CAPA process is the backbone of any sustainable quality system.
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Decreasing Lab Turnaround Time by 50% for a Contract Testing Organization
#OperationalExcellence #Lean #SixSigma
Client: Contract testing lab serving the supplement and food industry.
Challenge: Lab turnaround times consistently missed client SLAs (Service Level Agreements).
Solution: Mapped out the end-to-end sample flow and identified bottlenecks through value-stream mapping and causes of rework.
Implementation: Implemented Lean lab principles, batch scheduling, equipment PM program, and cross-training for flexible staffing.
Results: Average turnaround times dropped by 50%, boosting client satisfaction scores by over 75%.
Lessons: Lab process optimization needs as much focus on people and scheduling as it does on equipment.
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Developing a Critical Supplier Risk Management Framework
#MedicalDevice #SupplierQuality #Compliance
Client: Small-sized Medical device company preparing for aggressive international expansion.
Challenge: No effective system to assess or manage supplier risks.
Solution: Built a supplier risk management framework that included risk scoring, contingency planning, and tiering.
Implementation: Conducted supplier audits, risk mapping exercises, and developed supplier action plans.
Results: Identified and remediated risks across 50% of the critical supplier base within 6 months.
Lessons: Systematic supplier risk management transforms supply chains from fragile to resilient.
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Digitizing Supplier Audits Using Remote Audit Tools
#OperationalExcellence #QMS #Compliance
Client: Small medical device company managing over 100 suppliers worldwide.
Challenge: COVID-19 travel restrictions halted traditional supplier audit programs, leading to lag in post-COVID-19 environments.
Solution: Developed both an electronic audit framework leveraging a more robust questionnaire and a third-party audit service (customers would purchase the comprehensive audit report).
Implementation: Built questionnaire, trained supplier and customer quality teams, and piloted with critical suppliers.
Results: Completed 90% of the annual audit plan remotely, maintaining regulatory compliance without extensive travel.
Lessons: Remote audit capability is a permanent strategic advantage, not just a temporary workaround.
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Implementing a LIMS for Laboratory Scale-Up
#Automation #LIMS #OperationalExcellence
Client: Growing wine laboratory expanding into ISO 17025 commercial testing.
Challenge: Manual data recording was unsustainable as test volumes scaled.
Solution: Implemented a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with electronic batch records and barcoding.
Implementation: Gathered user requirements, selected a vendor, configured workflows, and trained users.
Results: Improved sample tracking accuracy to 99% and reduced turnaround times by 50%.
Lessons: Early LIMS adoption pays off exponentially as labs scale in size and complexity.
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Launching an Emerging Leader Program for Technical Experts
#Biotech #LeadershipDevelopment #NewLeaders
Client: Biotechnology company scaling rapidly with newly promoted managers.
Challenge: Technical experts promoted to leadership roles without formal leadership skills training.
Solution: Designed a customized Emerging Leader Program focused on operational leadership, communication, and decision-making.
Implementation: Delivered workshops, individual coaching sessions, and action learning projects.
Results: Improved team performance ratings by 20% and reduced voluntary turnover by 25%.
Lessons: Technical expertise alone isn’t enough — leadership development must be intentional and role-specific.