Blogs – E-Labs

Product Master Management

Posted on October 21, 2022November 9, 2022 by

As an extensive digital economy platform, the optimal objective of E-Laboratories is to authorize or determine the realization of a number of diverse testing experiments, to design, build, and test technological tools, in order to achieve a conclusion regarding a particular product and its stability. Therefore, it is crucial to dig deeper into the understanding of environmental, genetic, behavioral, and social determinants of the product, helping to strike a balance between its effectiveness and its cost. E-labs also offer largely automated extensive testing methods and tools, backed by best evidence and relevance.

On average, a laboratory can offer a vast range of testing facilities in various domains such as environment, electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, cosmetics, apparel and textiles, toys footwear, raw materials, building, sporting equipment, Ayurveda, and many more. Thereon, to have an organized system for generating accurate results as well as lowering the risk of discrepancies between the testing methods and the final outputs, each product accredited to a particular domain, has to go through a number of parameter checks for testing. Now ideally, a product may be qualified to go through hundreds of parameter checks to support multiple values at once, enhancing the importance of the product’s order value and correlating to other similar parameters at the same time. However, the parameters to be tested for a given product are largely influenced by the testing methods desired by the clients that also demand specific tools to be used in testing. E-Labs offer a Product Master Management feature which helps to automatically consolidate all the key information or master data related to the particular product including category, description, product number, product hierarchies, client data, parameters to be tested, testing methods to be used, list of equipment required, pricing and invoice for a more compact data management solution. One of the critical challenges faced by laboratories, in general, is to store and curate all the above-mentioned product-related information of each client, which is addressed by E-Labs in a more disciplined manner to systematically eradicate chaos and reduce manual efforts. With the Product master consolidation, E-labs automatically generate the master data related to the process encompassed in one central database, which also prevents the risk of a mishap of overlapping and mislabelling of products while establishing a good workflow in general.

Into the bargain, some of the products to be tested are also required to undergo stability testing, which fundamentally brings forth evidence of how the quality of a particular product may be affected after a given point of time, under the influence of a set of given factors. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that as often as not, these subsequent stability tests have their individual testing methods, depending upon the product, which may require a certain or specified skill-set or tools and equipment to be used in the process. While many of these testing facilities may require machinery expertise to process the following tests, some others may demand for manual skill-set to obtain optimal results. E-Labs make it easier to regulate ‘which methods to be included under which parameters’ and also govern the availability of the tools and equipment, analysts, skill-set required as well as the efficiency of the testing methods for the given process with their automated enlisted data. Therefore, with the Product Master consolidation, there is zero hassle of running errands for constant checks on the availability of raw materials or ascertaining particular testing methods required for the process which automatically eliminates the possibility of an error in order booking. Moreover, due to sundry products and parameters available to be tested based on a product’s requirements, many laboratories find it challenging to regulate such vast information considering the huge number of clients they have to do with on a daily basis. E-Labs, as a newly emerging intelligence technology, address this issue by offering an elaborated automated customer relationship management (CRM), which helps to retain proper databases for error-free order booking for the clients. The Product Master consolidation furnishes a link between the products, targets, and customer data, allowing measuring the risk and performance of testing methods in a holistic perspective at once. Therefore, it eliminates the chances of making non-informed decisions about the products and testing, enhancing efficiency and allowing more time for the process than managing product databases. In simple words, E-Labs, with their Product Master consolidation, reduce the chaos of fiddly order booking and empower customer relationship management systems to identify the target customers, while managing multiple orders at the same time.

Another colossal challenge that laboratories generally face is to establish a proper pricing and invoicing system for each client and their order, depending upon the given product sample, number/quantity of sample required for testing, methods used for testing, availability of raw materials, parameters to be tested, availability of analyst, location of the lab, discounts, and so on. E-Labs provide an exceptional advantage in managing a sophisticated customer quotation generation which allows the labs as well as the customers to have an insight into the price range required for the testing process. This feature incorporates all the corresponding product-related information as well as a peek into discounts offered by the E-Labs, to generate feasible pricing and invoicing for each client. Since a Product Master Management also captures sales and distribution channels, including the roles of the respective persons responsible for the process, company or client information, analyst information, the progress of the tests, dispatch-related information, and other regulatory compliance data, once entered a client’s data, the information remains stored in the system for further future references. Therefore, a customer quotation generation allows a customer to put forward multiple orders with different persons-in-charge without posing trouble for the management to invest more time on client data compilation. It also provides a great opportunity for the clients to keep a track of their order status and understand the process of testing on the go. Moreover, with the Product Master Management, E-Labs also offer their clients the freedom of choosing their own testing methods, tools and equipment, and a particular range based on which they wish their products to be tested. One can also participate to fill in the details of their order by themselves, without having to depend on manual efficiency. Thus, a customer quotation generation is a well-documented database of a client’s all-in particular order, which allows the client to be specific with their requirements and also make a few adjustments on the go, if necessary.

To keep it short, E-Labs offer a number of convenient testing facilities that are not only efficient and effective but also client-friendly and hassle-free. E-Labs address the daily tangible challenges faced by the regular laboratories with ease, with their enhanced technology of Product Master Management, to present more accessible and fitting services to meet the clients’ needs.

Microbiological Water Testing:

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

Pure water is considered the world’s best and foremost medicine, leading to many advanced developments over the years, filtering and maintaining water in its purest form in an attempt to eliminate the presence of pathogens. Accordingly, microbiological analysis of water is undoubtedly considered the most effective way of detecting fecal contamination, best known best for its ability to sustain the growth of various kinds of microorganisms, both beneficial and harmful for the body. Sample water testing from an authorized and advanced laboratory marks an indispensable step in any domain to fulfill regulatory requirements, be it pharma, food, beverages, cosmetics, etc. As per the data recorded by the World Health Organisation, around 1 billion people are reported to have access to water sources that are essentially contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. The reasons primarily reported include poor water quality control and sanitation regulations. Forwarding ahead, the bacterial traces of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Vibrio, etc. found in the intestinal tracts of humans, animals, birds, and livestock may also contaminate water through feces.

Testing Processes At E-Labs:

Microbiological testing is fundamentally the process to understand the microbial quality of water to ensure the safety of drinking water and annihilate any inimical results. The testing process requires the use of a fecal bacteria indicator, using proper procedures to achieve consistent consequences. Additionally, the presence of soil in the water also stipulates microorganisms that could be systematically perceived through turbidity of water. Some of the best methods for microbiological water testing are:

Coliform & Indicator Organisms: Coliform is considered as one of the best standards for hassle-free detection, enumeration dm isolation for microbial water testing, which is a group of gram-negative bacteria that primarily ferments lactose with a production of gas within 2 days at 35ºC. However, to keep in mind, a high count in the total coliform generally always requires extensive analysis to guarantee the presence of fecal coliforms. Thus, this constitutes the easiest method of microbiological water testing.
Culture Media: Most commonly recommended medium for coliforms is the membrane lauryl sulfate broth. To confirm the identity of the present colonies on the filters, Membrane Enterococcus Agar (mEA) and Membrane Enterococcus Indoxyl-ß-D-Glucoside Agar (mEI) are generally used (to determine enterococci).In some other instances, Tryptose Sulphite Cycloserine Agar is also used, without the egg yolk, to culture another colony of bacterial traces. Additionally, chromogenic and fluorogenic media are used in water microbiology.
Membrane Filtration: This particular method involves a huge incubator space to coherently manage large volumes of water, progressing through the sterile membrane filtration process. The unique process involves a filtration system with small pores for retaining the bacterial cells while the water gushes through the incubator directly. The collected colony is then transferred to a saturated absorbent pad and examined directly to identify the feces traces.

Traditional Culture: Although still in use to detect heterotrophic bacteria, this method has its limitations due to the pour and spread plate count process. It involves the addition of measured volumes of water, to a definite series of differential-filled tubes, with color-changing growth indicators.
Legionella in cooling towers: It is an organism that is known for its higher tolerance of chlorine, and the ability to survive within a colony of parasites. Legionella in cooling towers provides a favorable condition for L. pnuemophila to survive and become an expert transport for it to disseminate into the atmosphere.

Parameters for Water Quality:

1. Nitrogen (NO3-n): When nitrogen exceeds in fresh and saltwater, being a crucial element for plant growth and aquatic ecosystem, it leads to the unfavorable growth of excessive algal, ultimately causing the depletion in the oxygen levels. Thus, it becomes grievous for the aquatic life to survive and flourish henceforth.

2. E-Coli: E-Coli is found in the fecal matter of animals, birds, humans, and mammals, and belongs to the family of total coliform. They do not thrive in the fecal remains but live in soils instead.

3. Total Coliform: Fecal coliform, E-Coli and total coliform are all different kinds of bacterial indicators of contaminated water with fecal matter, containing pathogens.

Microbiological Water Testing At E-Labs:

With laboratories recognized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), at E-Labs we offer an extensive range of testing facilities with the best equipment available in the market, carrying out sampling and analysis from a vast array of business prospects such as food business, manufacturing units, factories, etc.

To begin with, a water sample is required to submit at E-Labs along with a testing request, confirming its compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards portable water guidelines. Most often the parameters to be tested are requested by the clients themselves, be it microbiological, physical, or chemical, conforming to the specific methods required in the process. The water sample is collected by one of our personnel at the location provided with proper temperature checks for microbiological water testing. The detailed report of the analysis is shared with the customer from time to time with the status tracking facility of the sample order.

Microbiological testing of water remains one of the most relevant testing requirements to curb out any traces of contamination in the water that we consume or use in the formulation of products from microorganisms.

Testing Parameters in Product Documentation at E-Labs

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

With the help of the Product Master feature, E-Labs has not only become largely popular but also managed to draw out a perfect balance between establishing a good workflow in general and scrutinizing laboratory testing facilities in an efficient and error-free manner. E-Labs offer an extensive range of testing facilities ranging in various domains like pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, Ayurveda, environment, clothing, electronics, motor, chemicals, raw materials, apparel, and textiles, etc. One of the major aspects of the Product Documentation of a Product Master, for any given sample, involves the process of determining certain parameters to be tested. Now, each sample provided by the customer has to go through a variety of parameter checks for stability testing for pharmaceutical and other purposes. In most instances, these parameters are specified by the customers themselves, whereas in other cases, the respective laboratories take up the responsibility to do the same.

You may ask, who calculates what parameters are viable to be testing a certain product? To answer that, E-Labs have found an efficient way of eradicating discrepancies in testing results, followed by accuracy in the process. To elaborate, each Pharmacopeia (British Pharmacopeia, US Pharmacopeia, Japan Pharmacopeia) lists a certain number of parameters for each specified product and product category that exists, based on equipment, testing methods, skills required, raw materials, and the formula involved. Now, each laboratory adopts the guidelines of a particular Pharmacopeia, to extract group disciplines. Therefore, with the Product Master feature, E-Labs assure that each Product Category and their sub-categories may be qualified for several parameter checks applicable for one product sample that is determined under the Reference Test Standard which stores all the guidelines of parameters related to product categories. They are then recorded under the Parameter Category, which acts as an umbrella term, further breaking down into sub-categories under Test Parameter Detail to map out intricate information of the testing process. In other words, parameters are standards set for the goal of improvement of the product while enhancing its order value.

Each parameter can be tested through hundreds of different testing methods to obtain accurate results, therefore, depending upon the raw materials required, availability of the analyst, location of the laboratory, tools or equipment required, skill-sets, and calculated time required. With E-Labs, it’s rather easy to compile the product data when it comes to determining the testing methods as the Product Master feature generates all the necessary information related to the product at once, with its automated enlisted data, reducing the manual effort of risking error-free data entry. Thus, this also promotes hassle-free and automated pricing and invoicing, depending upon the methods, tools, parameters, analyst, location of the laboratory, skill-sets, etc. used throughout. In addition, E-Labs aid diversified product and parameter information at once, following flawless management of a sea full of clients regularly.

Product Documentation – Order Management Module of E-Labs LIMS Software

Posted on October 21, 2022October 28, 2022 by

An Order Management System of a Product Master feature tracks and records all information related to sales and order processing detail. With the help of OMS, E-Labs offer an extensive range of order processing information, including order booking, sample booking, job allocation, job processing, sample collecting, the progress of testing, the time required by the analyst, as well as dispatch detail to the customers, for establishing a transparent and effective company-client relationship. Once the product testing information such as methods, equipment, parameters, measuring unit, pricing and invoicing, etc. are determined, an order is confirmed with the filled-in automated client and product documentation. E-Labs provides comprehensive data of order booking and sales management to evenly lookout for hindrances in the process while eradicating errors in order bookings, which is why an Order Management System helps to explicitly display the order processing. In short, E-Labs adopted OMS to-

Track All Orders:
Tracking and recording orders may be perhaps the most challenging and crucial part of other laboratories, with focusing more on data accuracy at the time of order booking within a short period of time. However, in the case of E-Labs, OMS provides an upper hand when it comes to error-free order bookings with an intuitive and seamless experience for both the laboratory as well as for the customers. It centralizes all sales and order information at a central place for easy access.
Monitor & Manage All Inventory:
Without a proper inventory management system, a laboratory may have to face several major issues such as overselling, overstocking and inaccurate forecasting. Therefore, to avoid that, OMS offers a simplified inventory tracking process that allows the laboratory to monitor real-time updates in order bookings.
Facilitate Order Fulfilment:
OMS also provides streamlined logistics processes which enhance faster and intuitive order fulfillment. It allows the display of routing orders from the laboratories to the customers, providing real-time information of the live status of the order.

Adding to that, there are quite a few other advantages of using an Order Management System-

Automation:
With the automated digital-based management platform, E-Labs has established a more profound general workflow which has reduced unnecessary wastage of time behind data entry and handling more and more complex data management efficiently with OMS. The benefits of workflow automation are becoming apparent across niches.
No Human Error/Effort:
OMS has visibly reduced human effort, thus, eliminating the risks of mishaps and mislabelling of products, as well as increasing the chances of errors in order bookings. With the increase in the number of client orders and product samples, it’s not surprising to encounter more flaws than perfection at the time of order bookings. Thus, with automated order bookings and management, OMS’s ability to entertain mass client orders is undoubtedly a blessing on the go. It also keeps the team members under check for fulfilling their target responsibilities.
Real-Time & Accurate Reporting:
An effective OMS system reports real-time data regarding orders, inventory, customers and more, for smarter analytics and better decision-making. It also allows tracking product performance and customer behavior to ID patterns and trends.

VOC Testing and Analysis at E-Labs

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

At E-Labs, we offer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) testing and analysis, which are commonly found in many natural and synthetic materials in the form of solids, liquids, or vapors. VOCs present in products such as the paint or wallpaper on the walls, the fragrance of the room freshener, disinfectants, deodorizers, cosmetics, etc., are essentially organic chemicals that contain a higher level of vapor pressure at room temperature. Thus, it correlates with having a low boiling point and in turn relates to the sample molecule number in the air, known as volatility.

An array of VOCs is manufactured in different industries throughout the country, which acts as a strain of slow poison for humans, animals, and the environment as well. Hence, it brings forth the need to focus on VOC testing and analysis to scrutinize the VOC concentrations present in our surroundings. Notably, although not acutely dangerous, mostly higher levels of VOC concentrations are found indoors than outdoors.

VOC Testing at E-Labs:

The best way to alleviate the danger from higher VOC concentration levels is by simply collecting and getting the samples tested at an authorized laboratory for quantitative analysis in both liquid and gaseous form. Some of the common volatile organic compounds are:

Acetone, found in nail polish and furniture polish
Ethanol, found in glass cleaners, dishwater detergents, and laundry detergents
Carbon Disulfide, found in tap water
Toluene, present in paints
Xylene, found in traffic emissions
Benzene, is found in emissions from candle burning, stove burning, etc.

E-Labs offers consumer product testing facilities in different domains such as paints and inks, furniture and wood products, textiles and apparel, footwear, electronic appliances, etc.

1. Interior Building Products VOC Testing: E-Labs offers VOC, Phthalate & Formaldehyde Testing according to regulatory standards for Interior Building Products.

2. Furniture VOC Testing: E-Labs offers formaldehyde emission testing for wooden furniture.

3. Building Products VOC Testing: E-Labs offers VOC Testing for building products to meet Indoor Environmental Quality regulations.

4. Paints and Inks VOC Testing: E-Labs offers water content, density, and exempted solvent content testing and analysis facilities for paints and inks VOC testing.

5. VOC Floor Testing: At E-Labs, apart from product sampling, we deal with concrete floor finish and floor coverings testing, while maintaining and regulating essential requirements.

Testing Methods:

Prolonged exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds can pose dangerous effects on health, with visible kidney and liver damage, cancer, headaches as well as an increase in carcinogenicity, and skin irritations. Henceforth, E-labs use the powerful combination of Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) methods to identify the presence of VOC in solid or liquid samples. The following method helps to differentiate the single or multiple constituents of VOC and provides insight into the total VOC present in the given sample. The process begins with heating a required size of the sample provided, at a specific temperature for a certain period to detect the presence of VOC in it.

E-Labs ensures that the samples provided by the clients are at par with the International VOC standards, and guarantees data accuracy as well as faster turnaround time to achieve error-free testing results while complying with the regulatory standards.

Why MNC pharma companies are realigning their India operations

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

At a time when the local market is assuming the centre stage of the growth strategy for Indian pharma companies, multinational drugmakers are restructuring their businesses in India – by selling brands, closing non-core units, or laying off employees.

Earlier this month, Swiss drug major Novartis India passed on the sales and distribution rights of three of its established brands to Dr Reddys Labs and terminated the employment of 400 staffers. In October, US drugmaker Eily Lily sold the marketing rights of its anti-diabetes drugs to Cipla and laid off 120 employees in India. Around the same time, Danish pharma company Lundbeck decided to exit India as part of its global strategy. In 2019, US drug major Pfizer closed two facilities manufacturing injectables in the country in response to falling demand.

At a time when the local market is assuming the centre stage of the growth strategy for Indian pharma companies, are restructuring their businesses in India – by selling brands, closing non-core units, or laying off employees. The stocks of listed MNC pharma companies have hardly been attractive for investors compared to those of their Indian counterparts. “Pharma MNCs do not consider India a favourable market – their product portfolios are inadequate, their penetration is limited to metros and tier-1 cities, and they get beaten by their Indian peers,” said Salil Kallianpur, a pharma consultant and former executive vice president at GSK Pharma. “While input cost is rising, there are price caps to contend with in the case of certain essential drugs. This creates pressure on P&L – leading to decisions like reducing staff. At a time when the local market is assuming the centre stage of the growth strategy for Indian pharma companies, are restructuring their businesses in India – by selling brands, closing non-core units, or laying off employees. The stocks of listed MNC pharma companies have hardly been attractive for investors compared to those of their Indian counterparts. “Pharma MNCs do not consider India a favourable market – their product portfolios are inadequate, their penetration is limited to metros and tier-1 cities, and they get beaten by their Indian peers,” said Salil Kallianpur, a pharma consultant and former executive vice president at GSK Pharma. “While input cost is rising, there are price caps to contend with in the case of certain essential drugs. This creates pressure on P&L – leading to decisions like reducing staff.

As per AWACS data, the Indian-MNC breakup in the local pharma market has been 80:20 for the past several years.

According to Ajit Dangi, CEO of Janssen Consulting, pharma MNCs are basically restructuring their business in India to make it more responsive to the changing market environment. “IPR environment has improved, and it is no longer easy to copy patented molecules in India. No compulsory licence has been granted since 2014,” he said.

“Regulatory approval for NCEs (new chemical entities) which are already approved in developed countries such as by the USFDA, UK MHRA or EU EMA can now be fast-tracked in India. Over 328 irrational fixed-dose combinations – most of them approved by the state FDAs – have been banned after a protracted legal battle. This has created space for original research molecules of MNCs to be promoted scientifically,” he added.

During the pandemic, MNC pharma companies were found to be involved in strategic collaborations with Indian companies. For instance, American drug company Gilead licensed its remdesivir molecules to seven pharma companies. The transfer of Covid vaccine technology by AstraZeneca to Serum Institute and J&J to Biological E, and Merck’s voluntary licence to five Indian pharma companies for Covid antiviral pill molnupiravir for global supply are cases in point.

“MNCs are also known to focus on limited therapy areas and build bigger legacy brands,” said Sheetal Sapele, president of marketing at pharma market research firm AWACS. “In Covid times, players like GSK, Abbott, Janssen and Pfizer who had strong brands in pain, gastro and nutritional’s category could make it big due to strong top-of-the-mind recall coupled with a surge in demand.”

“There is hardly any pharma MNC that would want to exit the Indian market at this point of time given the improvement in drug affordability and accessibility and the secular growth story of the Indian pharma market,” said Krishnanath Munde, associate director, of India Ratings & Research.

However, stock market investors may not find any near-term positive trigger for the handful of pharma MNC stocks that are locally listed with limited free float. Besides, as seen in the case of Novartis India, the listed entity often houses a small proportion of the business compared to the unlisted arms in India.

Current Trends in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has seen a rapid rise in the past three years with rapid digitization and advancement of research in the field. This has opened gates for newer avenues of treatment for mankind. The pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow to $ 1.5 trillion by 2023. Listed below are the few current trends in the pharmaceutical industry today, which pave the pathway to global success in terms of blooming research and development expenditure:

The global concept of E-pharmacies: Although considered a threat to their business by offline pharmacies, the concept of an E-pharmacy is believed to lead to unimaginable growth prospects for the pharmaceutical market industry. An E-pharmacy is a boon as it is efficient and responsible in remote areas. It provides easy and affordable medicines to the people at their doorstep in just one click and additionally, gives information about the medicinal remedies to the purchaser. With the continual effects of the pandemic on board across the country, many people avoid going to pharmacies and therefore, resulting in an ultimate setback for brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Thus, people have switched to buying medicines online for fear of getting infected by covid-19. Although there is a rift between offline and online pharmacies, like any other sector, the amalgamation of the two will end up resulting in offline pharmacies opening an online market for them.

Rapid Digitalization with Artificial Intelligence (AI): The onset of digitization and technological innovations has developed to be the backbone of any growing economy, and thus, the same applies to the pharmacy industry as well. Hence, people have acknowledged and aligned their offline business platforms with online opportunities to stay in line and pace with the ever-changing business environment in the technological world. Consumers no more want to step out to buy goods and it is a world where doorstep service is given preference. The use of AI/ML has also changed the entire consumer behavior and now customers can experience medical consultations or pharmaceutical product testing in real-time, in an error-free and organized systematic environment.
Digital Records: The use of digital processes has been around for quite a few years, gradually taking up the pace with ever-changing technological advancements. The original paper-based processes have been converted to digital operations, making processes more efficient and error-free. Moreover, digital processes are especially helpful in promoting regulatory compliance because they allow pharmaceutical companies to closely track data and how it is maintained. Pharmaceutical companies appreciate this switch to digitalization because of the transparency it provides across the organization and all departments.
Cloud Computing: In the pharmaceutical industry today, cloud technology allows businesses to work with other stakeholders while enforcing efficiency and establishing error-free workflow management. Cloud computing also provides an inexpensive way to use analytics. Pharmaceutical companies rely specifically on cloud security and central access to analyze complex data in clinical research. Cloud scalability keeps records of thousands of remotely monitored patients and the confidentiality records are maintained by the cloud environment.
Digital Trainings: Online training courses for new technologies in the pharmaceutical sector ensure that teams have a solid understanding of the correct use of technologies such as digital signatures, patient planning portals, and electronic document software, which will reduce the likelihood of errors, helping pharmaceutical organizations to meet the regulatory standards for using that information. Online training courses can be offered anytime, anywhere, and can be personalized for each user, making them extremely cost-effective.
Ensuring a high-quality production process: The quality and affordability of the product have been driving forces that determine the success of the company and the industry. The pharmaceutical industry revolves around these aspects and it is gradually migrating to high-quality and economical production processes. The industry trends define the current condition of the segment and lay the foundation for the future. The Indian pharmaceutical segment has partly achieved this goal as they are the leading producer of generic medicine. In addition to the presence of prominent multinational companies, the generic market caters to over 50% of the global demand for these drugs.

Indian Drug Market Drivers That Motivate Expansion

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

With its booming population and an increased per capita healthcare expenditure at a CAGR of 10.3% from $43.1 US dollars in 2008 to $57.9 US dollars in 2015, India is expected to rise by $88.7 US dollars by 2020 in terms of global healthcare expenditure, according to FICCI, 2018. The major drug market drivers that are expected to motivate expansion are mounting incomes, greater awareness of personal health and hygiene, and better access to high-quality healthcare facilities.

The major allergic diseases prevalent in India include asthma, anaphylaxis, food and insect allergy, rhinitis, drug, eczema and urticaria, and angioedema. Averagely, 20-30% of the total Indian population suffers from either of these diseases. The majority of the research on allergy drug development is associated with the R&D expenditure capabilities of the pharmaceutical companies, as well as the adoption of new-age technologies.

The Growth of the Indian Drug Market:

The growth of the Indian drug market is driven by motivating and challenging market drivers that help expand global opportunities specific to India. The exponential phase of the growing trend in the Indian pharmaceutical industry is characterized by the following drug market drivers:

Government policies
International policies
Public relation
Allergy prevalence
Economic and financial stability
Research and development expenditure
Availability of resources

1. Government Policy – The Primary Drug Market Driver:

The Government of India forms and implicates policies for the development and innovation of drugs in India. These policies are implemented to help the development of the drug market and also increase the export of drugs. According to an investigative report by the Indian Express, (2017), the main focus of the government while forming policies for regulating the drug market includes:

The standardized process made it easy for the manufacturers
Quality control to avoid duplication of the ingredients
Convergence of the regulatory practices

The collaboration of all these agencies makes the process of drug development faster and also helps in avoiding resource wastage by the repetition of the research in two places at the same time (WHO, 2017).

International policies also act as a market driver:

The policy formation by the international authorities largely impacts the allergy drug manufacturers of India. India is also one of the ten largest generic drug exporters according to a report in 2018. Therefore, the pharmaceutical companies in India need to strictly follow the rules and regulations set by international organizations like:

USFDA (US food and drug administration),
World Health Organization (WHO), and
EMA (European Medicine Agency).

Diligence to these guidelines of international organizations allows for achieving maximum export of allergic drugs concerning sales volume and finances (CII, 2012).

These policies mainly determine the safety and efficacy of exported drugs. However, the policies turn out a bit challenging for the Indian drug manufacturers while following the regulations, costs of manufacturing, costs of applications, packaging of the drugs, and quality control (Business Today, 2017). Additionally, the advantageous point of international policies includes a larger scope of drug export, increased revenue, and larger geographic market coverage.

Research and development expenditure as a market driver:

Yet another important market driver in the context of the Indian pharmaceutical sector is R&D expenditure by the government and FDIs; increased government expenditures and FDI increases the overall capabilities of research and development. Reports indicated that in FY2011-12, 5.8% of total income was spent on R&D by Indian pharmaceutical industries, which increased to 9% in the year 2016-17. In addition, Banerji & Suri, (2017) also reported that 12.39% of the total patents granted comprise drugs for human necessities. R&D expenditures by the leading Indian pharmaceutical companies have gone up significantly by 28.8% in 2014-15 and expect to rise by 30-35% in 2020. This increase results in greater revenue generation and improves international exports (Liu et al., 2017). Thus, R&D expenditure acts as one of the most important market drivers for the Indian drug market.

Public relations as a market driver:

Public relations are an important aspect of the increase in the market size for drugs in India. The main causes of allergic reactions in India consist of the household environment, genetic factors, tobacco smoke, dust, exposure to polluting fuels, etc.

Therefore an awareness of the factors that lead to increasing allergic disease development is very necessary. Public relations are also important for educating people about the treatment options and preventive measures for various types of allergic reactions. Public relation by the pharmaceutical industry allows the general public to gain knowledge on the importance of drugs and medications for allergies.

Conclusion:

Economic and financial stability is a significant market driver for the Indian drug market. More economic support provided to the pharmaceutical industries for drug production will lead to the efficient control of the allergy prevailing in the country. The healthcare sector in India will grow at a CAGR of 15% and touch US$ 158.2 billion in 2020 from US$ 78.6 billion in 2012 (IBEF, 2014).

The market drivers that act as major motivations for the drug market are disease prevalence and public relations. On the other hand, the research and development, economic stability, and government role mainly act as a challenge for the allergy drug market. In India, very little attention is given to the research and development of new drugs, therefore, resulting in a huge communication gap between the government and private institutes that control drug formation.

However, the challenges occur due to a lack of major funds for research and development as well as a lack of major allergy drug discovery in India. The least attention is given by pharmaceutical firms to the development of allergy drugs. However, these factors can be turned into motivation by giving more attention to R&D and innovation along with diligence for human necessities.

The Changing Dynamics of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has emerged as the third-largest country in the world in terms of volume with a turnover of about $22 billion US dollars in 2009. Moreover, as estimated in 2011, the Indian pharmaceutical industry includes more than 20,000 licensed companies that employ 500,000 people on an average. Throughout the decade-long list of successes, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has taken huge leaps in terms of its futuristic approach involving novel drug delivery systems, mobile-based applications, precision drug delivery, and patient-specific drug delivery, which is optimization-oriented according to the need. Furthermore, the industry secured the top position among the science-based industries through a range of capabilities in production and technology.

Exports From The Indian Pharmaceutical Industry:

Being the largest exporter in the pharmaceutical industry among all the developing countries, India’s pharmaceutical market is driven by the price, quality, and safety of the products. The Indian market has been recorded to grow from $7.24 billion US dollars in 2007 to $9.35 US billion dollars in 2009. The largest imports of the Indian pharmaceutical market have been recorded from the USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia, showcasing an annual growth rate of 12.8% in the Indian market exports, during 2003-2005.

Dynamics of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry:

Before the introduction of the patents act of 1970, multinational companies dominated the Indian market. However, soon after, Indian companies started entering the market, nurturing expertise in pharmaceutical production at relatively lower costs. In light of the new laws being framed, Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013 is a game-changer which has brought around 640 drugs into the ambit of price control under scheduled drugs and formulations, which some consider a bane to the MNCs as the margins are fixed according to the market players dealing with a similar product leading to lower profits. India, being a semi-regulated market, is focusing on empowering new laws that will mandate the manufacturers to follow GMP, and GLP, as given in schedule M and ICH. Furthermore, the development of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), which is similar to the WHO list, is also gaining a lot of appreciation across the country and worldwide. Additionally, documents such as guidance to the industry are worth mentioning as the recommendations provided in them are a useful requirement for getting to know newer technology that FDA is focusing on.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has exhibited a higher growth rate through the improved range, technology, and quality of products being manufactured. Additionally, the demand drivers for the changing dynamics in the Indian pharmaceutical industry also include the growing and aging global population. This favorable change in demographics, socio-economy, and urbanization led to the rapid transition, driven by the active participation of pharmaceutical chemicals. Also, many MNCs have captured the Indian market through acquisitions and launching new products.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is rather complex due to the presence of multiple players in the organized as well as the organized sectors. The growth of CRAMS, along with CFA, is evidence of the paradigm shift of the MNCs towards marketing the product rather than full-scale manufacturing, enduring higher profits than their counterparts. Another advantage is the growth of continuous manufacturing lines undergoing a transition from traditional batch processing such as the GEA Continuous Tableting Line in compliance with Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP) has cut down labor to a maximum extent and decreased the time and improved methodological efficiency.

Although Indian exports consisting of a myriad of products ranging from vaccines to medical devices has spiraled simultaneously, on the contrary, imports just remain confined to certain essential API such as vitamins and antibiotics. As we are moving towards an era of innovation and novelty, the rise in the number of startups is catapulting growth in the healthcare sector such as the insurance field. Another key development is in the field of low-cost research and development by foreign companies taking benefit of 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in greenfield and 74% in brownfield pharma, thereby boosting mergers and acquisitions along with private equity investments.

Lastly, another reason for these changing dynamics is the enormous transformation of the mindset of pharma-community adhering to values and strong rules, which abolished the release of counterfeit and Non-Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs that were a menace during the early times of implementation of policy. On the other hand, intellectual property management is making differences between the good and excellent, as marketing in terms of trademarks, copyright, and patents are the driving force in today’s economic scenario.

Future of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry:

The growth of the pharmaceutical industry in India is hindered by various challenges. However, the major obstacle has been government intervention in the form of hasher price controls and taxes, mandating overall pressure on the market. The government has laid down stricter rules governing the development and production of medicines.

However, despite all the shortcomings, the future of the Indian pharmaceutical industry is believed to be driven by profits and operational excellence. The manufacturers will be competing in terms of ground and increase in complexity, additional controls, and market disruptions in the global supply. The industry needs to generate efficiency to drive the market by achieving cost efficiency. The future trend will be driven by companies specializing in differentiated products which will require reinventing the operative model and pursuing a systematic investment strategy.

Striking Features of E-Labs LIMS CRM Software

Posted on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by

E-Labs LIMS offers integrated laboratory automation solutions that aid in enhancing the smooth functioning of laboratory testing and report services. Some of the key features of the E-Labs LIMS CRM module are:

1. Workflow Management Automation:

E-labs LIMS provides an elaborated CRM software that allows the laboratories to automate their workflow management, eliminating human efforts and human-made errors, to enhance individual productivity and overall sales growth perspective. It also allows the laboratories to set up custom rules and sales force automation as per their structural needs, to generate suitable growth management, catering to client satisfaction. Thus, the CRM software has the provision to automatically identify triggers and perform specific action-based solutions to resolve particular challenges. For example: When a potential customer fills out a contact form for testing services, the CRM module automatically tracks and records all information, directing to the sales department; The CRM initially auto-responds to the potential leads on behalf of the sales representatives to avoid delayed responsibilities; In case a prospect fails to respond to the mails, the CRM software automatically sends through a follow-up after a preset amount of time; Moreover, it automatically tracks down all logs and tasks of each representative to report them to the upper management for performance insights.

2. Third-Party Integration:

Many CRM software services offer trusted third-party integrations to allow laboratories to save time and money for the elaborated programs. For example, Salesforce has its own marketplace called AppExchange wherein users are provided with solutions such as QuickBooks accounting software, Mailchimp email marketing software, and DocuSign electronic signatures. Some other features of third-party integration can be identified as, auto-syncing sales and order data to the accounting software management to reduce manual data entry errors; next-gen data security and data backups; auto-mailing lists and email marketing campaigns; etc.

3. Employee Tracking:

E-Labs LIMS CRM software allows laboratories to track employee activity and performance by offering them individual liberty to track and manage their respective hours, tasks, meetings, sales numbers, goals, and other items. It also allows the reporting manager and upper management to access dashboards that let them view individual employee goals, completed tasks, and other metrics of productivity. Thus, one of the integral features of the E-Labs LIMS CRM module is to generate employee performance reviews, create incentives, reward strong employees, identify road blockers, and address areas of improvement.

4. Customized Management Facilities:

E-Labs LIMS CRM software offers flexibility to the laboratories to cater to their unique requirements according to their respective structural needs. Therefore, it allows laboratories to customize basic features such as what data to be reflected on the dashboards, custom reports generation, customized plugins and extensions, and so on.

5. Customer Services:

E-Labs LIMS CRM software aids in excellent customer relationship management by providing the following to the client laboratories:

A 360-degree comprehensive view of customers that reflect everything there is to know about a customer from the first point of contact
Auto-tracking all points of communications, from lead acquisition to closed sales, sales history, website visits, purchase history and other activities for future reference.
Has unique reference numbers for each account, and customer and helps issue
Automatically sends customers acknowledgments of their inquiries and messages so they don’t feel ignored
Supports premade email templates and call scripts that answer the most common questions

Some CRM solutions can make this even easier by integrating third-party apps such as the Desk.com support platform, SurveyMonkey feedback forms, and the RingCentral business phone system.

6. Real-time data:

Real-time data tracking has become one of the integral features of CRM systems. E-Labs LIMS CRM provides the facility to pull up real-time data from devices, applications, and even appliances.

These are just a few of the benefits of pulling real-time data:

It helps to make better-informed marketing decisions about the bidding prices and placement of online advertising.
It allows to get an instant snapshot of market demand, so marketing plans can be upgraded accordingly to yield better results.
It helps to identify which of the listed products and services generate the most revenue, and which generate the least and may need a boost in exposure.

7. Reporting:

The more of these report types can be accessed by the laboratories, the better:

The number of leads that come in during a certain amount of time
The number of sales generated during a certain amount of time
Which of the sales quotes closed which leads and how many they closed in a certain amount of time
The number of outbound calls being made
The effectiveness of official emails
The stage at which the leads converted, helping in identifying opportunities to close leads in a shorter time

A CRM with this feature helps to predict future sales based on data from the existing pipeline. Sales forecasting anticipates market changes to mitigate business risks.

An email feature in a CRM helps keep sales reps organized and productive. They can integrate their calendars to schedule appointments and engage prospects and customers accordingly. Another great email feature is the ability to automatically pull in email templates so reps spend less time crafting email content. It can be used to create several email templates, such as these:

Basic information about the company, segmented by industry
Follow-up after a phone call
Follow-up after one email has been sent
A follow-up to a proposal that reps are waiting on customers to return

8. CRM Analytics:

CRM analytics, also known as customer analytics, offers insight into customer data. This data is important because it can aid in making improved decisions about the types of products, services, marketing, and overall communications you distribute to your customers. Some of the core features of CRM analysis are:

Clear profit and loss data to help determine target ROI
Informative web analytics that illustrates customer website use and behaviors