Lifecycle Management for Adaptive Biotech Assets
Industry
Biotech / Life Sciences / Pharma
Scope
Managed Services / FAT / Bugfixing / Industry 5.0 / Modular Architecture
Timeframe
Ongoing - multi-phase engagement
-
3
Integrated Release Cycles
-
100%
Baseline Success Rate
-
100%
IP Clarity (Retained ownership model)
01
CLIENT
A global leader in the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical sector, dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and biomanufacturing. The client operates at the forefront of Industry 5.0, integrating intelligent modular units into their critical production environments to enable flexible manufacturing.
02
BUSINESS NEEDS
As the client transitioned from development to operational deployment of their proprietary modular automation software, they faced the critical need for stability and reliability. They required a strategic partner to handle the rigorous validation process (Baseline FAT) and provide continuous, rapid-response engineering support to ensure these advanced assets operated seamlessly in a live biotech environment without disrupting critical workflows.
03
CHALLENGE
Maintaining high-tech distributed systems in a regulated environment presents unique hurdles:
-
Validation Complexity
Conducting rigorous Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for complex, software-driven hardware modules to meet strict industry standards. -
Unpredictable Operational Issues
The need for a flexible response mechanism to handle "bug fixing" and emergency support requests as they arise in real-time. -
Intellectual Property Stewardship
Navigating a complex IP arrangement where the technology provider retains core IP ownership while granting the client non-exclusive rights. -
Distributed Systems Management
Maintaining stability across modular automation units within a regulated biotech production environment.
04
SOLUTION
We established a robust "Baseline Support & Lifecycle Management" framework, shifting from a transactional project model to a continuous partnership service. The solution entailed:
- Structured FAT Execution A systematic approach to Baseline FAT tests, ensuring every firmware and software release is validated before production.
- Flexible Engineering Retainer A "Mandays Package" model allowing dynamic consumption of hours for bug fixing, patches, or tests.
- Emergency Response Protocol A dedicated support tier for critical blockers to ensure minimal downtime for R&D and production.
- Product-Based IP Strategy Operationalizing a model where the client leverages assets while we maintain core IP, fostering a scalable ecosystem.
In the era of Industry 5.0, building the software is just the beginning. The real value lies in reliability. By establishing a continuous support loop - from FAT validation to emergency bug fixing - we gave our client the confidence to scale their modular infrastructure knowing that a dedicated expert team is always watching their back.
Łukasz Paciorkowski
CEO A4BEE
Technology used
05
OUTCOME
The transition to a managed support model stabilized the client's component ecosystem. It provided a unique balance of technical reliability, financial control, and rapid response capabilities essential for high-stakes biotech manufacturing.
- Operational Stability Successful execution of multiple Baseline FAT rounds ensured high-quality releases.
- Cost Predictability The package-based model provided budget control with on-demand access to premium resources.
- Risk Mitigation Immediate addressing of software bugs and emergencies minimized potential disruptions in laboratories.
- 100% Baseline Success Maintaining a perfect success rate across three integrated release cycles.
06
IMPLEMENTED SOLUTION
-
Service Definition
A structured service catalog covering "Baseline release support", "Bug fixing", and "Emergency support". -
Commercial Agility
Implementation of a consumption-based reporting model for transparency in engineering effort utilization. -
Continuous Support
Ongoing lifecycle management ensuring the longevity and reliability of modular biotech assets. -
Validation Rigor
Maintaining high quality through 3 integrated release cycles and rigorous FAT execution.
-
3
Integrated Release Cycles
-
100%
Baseline Success Rate
-
100%
IP Clarity (Retained ownership model)