Pharmaceutical software development firms design solutions to facilitate analytical, development and manufacturing operations in the pharmaceutical industry. With their vast resources, pharma software consultants develop customized programs to manage laboratory processes, management information and testing requirements. Pharma software consulting use their skills and expertise to help expedite clinical trials, meet regulatory compliance requirements and increase each client's return on investment.

Before beginning your search for pharmaceutical software consulting agencies, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your pharmaceutical software consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best pharmaceutical software company to meet your specific needs.

When selecting consultants on pharmaceutical software for your organization, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. How much experience do the pharmaceutical software development firms have in developing customized software solutions for your business sector?

2. What software services do the pharmaceutical application consultants provide to improve business operations and increase return on investment?

3. How much should your business invest in custom pharmaceutical software development services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire pharmaceutical software consulting firms who specialize in your business market

Select pharmaceutical software consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business sector. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: QS/1 specializes in software solutions for chain, retail and institutional pharmacies. Applied Biosystems produces SQL*LIMS software customized for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical and petrochemical and environmental industries. Claricode provides software development services for large healthcare systems, medical device manufacturers, independent physician associations, medical transaction processors and medical software development companies.

Choose pharma software consulting firms with proven skills

Review the services and software solutions provided by the pharma software consulting firms. Evaluate each pharmaceutical IT consulting agency's experience and qualifications, and request successful software development examples similar in scope to your desired product.

I recommend: Cegedim Dendrite provides software solutions for sales force management, sales support services and data integration and management. SAS offers a suite of software systems for each phase of the pharmaceutical project, including clinical data integration, drug development, patient safety and marketing, and features online client success stories. In addition to software development, Clinplus offers a comprehensive menu of value-added support and training services.

Select pharmaceutical software consultants that meet your budget

Most pharma IT consulting firms utilize an hourly fee structure or project-based contract. Others operate on a retainer with reduced hourly rates for long-term relationship clients. Your pharma software consultants cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Advanced Clinical Software offers its web-based StudyManager software for purchase with installation at your facility or through web hosting services with a monthly fee. Bioclinical Data Services offers software development services utilizing fixed-cost contracts or time and material contracts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It is tempting to save time by interviewing just one pharmaceutical software consultancy. However, it is in your organization's best interest to contact and interview several pharmaceutical software consultants to discuss your potential project. Two or three choices will provide you with the best possible match in skills, services, price and rapport for both you and the pharmaceutical software company.