Leading Trends in Medical Device Manufacturing After COVID-19

COVID-19 highlighted deficiencies in medical device manufacturing, some directly related to the pandemic, others not.

In 2020, the world quickly realized that manufacturers lacked the much-needed flexibility to pivot production and the ability to adapt to market trends and supply chain issues. Other non-manufacturing industries, who were digitized, filled the production gaps.

Other impediments also became apparent: long approval processes, increasingly complex products, error-prone data entry, difficulty testing and handling of biohazards.

With the number of obstacles involved in manufacturing, a complete changeable solution is a requirement.

Complete digital transformation as the future of medical device manufacturing

A full and successful digital transformation inn medical device manufacturing processes can positively affect the outcomes of any future health crisis, possibly saving lives. There will also be benefits, affecting everyday operations during the interims. Here's how:

• A digital twin expedites error-free production
• A comprehensive solution unites separate departments, both local and global
• An automated device history record (DHR) gets each product to market faster
• A flexible, adaptable manufacturing process means a faster response time
• A manufacturing execution system can ease compliance and regulation issues

Comply with regulations and automatically produce flawless DHRs

The manufacture of medical devices is unlike any other manufacturing industry. The product itself requires a biological component, which makes testing difficult. Add to this a regulation and approval process dictated by governing bodies like the FDA. Every delay adds to a costly price tag and impedes speed to market. The digital representation provided by a digital twin can follow a product through its lifecycle, predicting future defects, while lowering costs and delivering the product to the patient faster.

A digital transformation also assists with data entry. When each device history record (DHR) is entered manually, time is wasted, and errors occur. Automation removes the excessively tedious tasks from the production process, generating faultless DHRs.

A digital infrastructure is key to face future market demands

Whether directly related to the pandemic or not, a problem is a problem. Medical device manufacturers who go through a comprehensive digital transformation have found a way to round out those rough angles for a comprehensive, smooth solution. One that allows for the needed flexibility and adaptability to stay competitive and keep the world safe. Considering any future pandemics, digitalization of an MDM could be the difference between life and death.

Read and learn the benefits of digitalization in and out of a crisis.