Benchmark Study Unveils Keys to Success in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Quality Control Labs.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- In the face of increased FDA scrutiny of pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control processes, it is critical for quality executives to understand the best practices that help industry leading quality control (QC) organizations minimize rework and optimize productivity levels. A study by benchmarking leader Best Practices LLC reveals the key drivers for reducing costs in quality control laboratories. E[acute accent]Best Practices, LLC is now offering a discount on all benchmarking research. Save 10% on all published research through July 2 and receive one free seat to the Best Practice Database with Five Star Access. Visit http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr404.htm for more details. E[acute accent]"Driving Productivity and Minimizing Rework in the Quality Control Laboratory" (online at http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr339.htm), explores the key drivers that optimize productivity and minimize costs in quality control laboratories. The report highlights quality control laboratory operations at seven of the world's top 15 pharmaceutical companies. Key insights include:

E[acute accent]--Levels and root causes of rework, a key driver of QC labs' operating costs 

E[acute accent]--Productivity and quality metrics labs use to manage performance

E[acute accent]--Required laboratory staffing levels and demographics (including management-to-analyst ratios and staffing composition by education)

E[acute accent]--Technologies and communication tactics used to manage and accelerate workflow

E[acute accent]--Organizational structures designed to improve knowledge sharing and productivity within the labs

E[acute accent]Also included in the report are detailed operational best practices to help companies manage laboratory employee productivity, facilitate testing schedules and workflow, enhance productivity and quality, and improve operating efficiency. For example, one benchmark partner recently began to employ floor supervisors who spend 100% of their time in the labs. The supervisors divide their time between bench work and in-lab supervision. This management approach improves talent retention through intra-lab promotion opportunities, enhances on-the-job training for inexperienced workers, and provides closer supervision of day-to-day activities. E[acute accent]"Quality control labs are a mission-critical component of drug manufacturing, which constitutes as much as 25% of the cost of bringing products to market," says Keith Symmers, vice president of Best Practices LLC. "This study shows quality executives how to save time and money in their QC testing processes." E[acute accent]Download a study summary and excerpt at http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr339.htm. For more information, contact Susan Silverstein at [phone] or at [e-mail].

E[acute accent]ABOUT BEST PRACTICES, LLC

E[acute accent]Best Practices, LLC, a research and consulting firm, conducts work based on the principle that organizations can chart a course to superior economic performance by studying the best business practices, operating tactics and winning strategies of world-class organizations. For more information, call 919-403-0251 or visit http://www.best-in-class.com.