In the rapidly evolving world of cell and gene therapies, executives at the helm of biotechnology companies face a critical decision: should they invest in custom-built solutions for end-to-end product delivery and complex ERP system enhancements, or adopt standardized, integrated solutions?

The Strategic Dilemma: Pros and Cons of Custom-Built Solutions

The delivery of cell and gene therapies involves intricate processes, requiring meticulous coordination from patient on-boarding, scheduling the treatment, to production, and delivery back to healthcare providers. You must weigh the benefits of tailor-made solutions against the efficiency and reliability of proven platforms. This decision impacts not only operational efficiency but also the relationship with healthcare providers and, ultimately, patient care. Custom-built solutions offer specificity and control. Tailored to unique company needs, they can address specific workflow requirements and integrate closely with existing systems. However, the development and maintenance of such systems are resource-intensive, requiring significant investment in time, capital, and expertise. Additionally, future modifications to meet the requirements of new products as well as evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements pose ongoing challenges.

Integration of Standard Products: Simplifying Complexity

Accenture’s Intient Unify presents an alternative. As a comprehensive, multi-vendor platform, it simplifies the ordering and delivery process for cell and gene therapy products. By providing a standardized yet flexible interface, Intient Unify reduces complexity, streamlines operations, and enhances transparency in the supply chain. Further amplifying this efficiency is the integration with SAP Cell and Gene Therapy Orchestration (SAP CGTO), a platform of capabilities designed for the specific needs of cell and gene therapy supply chain orchestration​​. SAP CGTO also comes with inbound and outbound interfaces for courier service providers, ERP systems (including a standard integration to SAP S/4HANA*), and a supply chain partner portal to enable seamless operations with your contract manufacturing organizations. This integration offers a robust solution that manages the entire supply chain continuum, from production to delivery. For a CGT product developer or vendor, this means reduced operational risks, enhanced compliance, and improved scalability.

Real Life Case Study: a Model of Success

We could successfully demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of this integrated approach with a go-live at a large enterprise with multiple products in the cell and gene therapy area. By adopting the Accenture-SAP integrated solution, they achieved streamlined operations, better compliance, and more efficient therapy deliveries across a variety of different modalities. This case serves as a compelling model for others contemplating a similar strategic decision.

“At SAP, collaboration with ecosystem partners stands as a key pillar of our strategy, fostering innovation and growth. We continuously elevate our cutting-edge SAP Industry Solutions for Life Sciences customers with seamlessly integrated and complementary partner solutions. Together, we forge a path towards excellence, delivering integrated solutions that empower our customers to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.” – Andreas Krummlauf, VP Head of Product Management Life Sciences, Healthcare and Ecosystem, SAP SE.

If you want to learn more and talk to the team involved from Accenture and SAP, meet us at the “Advanced Therapies Week 2024” in Miami, January 16-19th. In addition to attending our presentations (Accenture, SAP), we welcome you to reach out for a more detailed discussion 1:1.

*the SAP S/4HANA, add-on for SAP Cell and Gene Therapy Orchestration is partly in development, see roadmap for SAP CGTO for details about current planned state.