STERLING INDUSTRIES
The Art of the Pivot: Moving your Manufacturing BY DAVID VAN SLINGERLAND, CEO, STERLING INDUSTRIES
In the world of medical devices, the ability to pivot isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Whether you’re a fast-scaling newcomer or a Fortune 500 juggling your product portfolio, the need for a manufacturing transfer is sometimes inevitable. There’s a lot at stake, many moving parts… and a few principles that can guide you to success. Time for a Change Let’s be real: change is one of the constants in the medtech world. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current manufacturing setup faster than a teenager outgrows shoes. Perhaps you’re eyeing a contract manufacturer with automation or clean room capabilities that can help you grow. Or maybe—let’s be frank—your current CM just isn’t cutting it anymore. Whatever the reason, manufacturing transfers for medical devices are the bridge between where you are and where you need to be. They’re complex, high-risk endeavors that can make or break your product launch, market expansion, or bottom line. Get it right, and you’re looking at improved scalability, lower unit costs, and a potential edge over the competition. Get it wrong, and... well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.
Complex Transfers, Simple Principles SO, HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR MANUFACTURING TRANSFER GOES SMOOTHLY? HERE’S A SIMPLE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: PRECISION PLANNING: Map out every detail, from regulatory requirements to supply chain logistics. Take a “stage gate” approach: agree on step A before moving to step B. It’s like a well-choreographed dance—everyone needs to know their moves. AGILE EXECUTION: Your team needs to be nimble, ready to pivot (there’s that word again) when unexpected challenges pop up. And trust me, they will. CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION: Overcommunication is better than leaving your team or partners wondering, “What’s happening with this transfer?” Keep everyone in the loop, always.
Risky Business: Avoiding the Pitfalls We’ve all seen it in this business. The “it’ll probably be fine” approach to timeline planning. The “we’ll figure it out as we go” strategy for regulatory compliance. The “surely they know what we mean” philosophy of documentation transfer. Spoiler alert: none of these end well. Common pitfalls include underestimating timeline complexity, overlooking critical quality system requirements, and failing to account for supply chain hiccups. Naïve optimism doesn’t help anyone. Bake risk mitigation strategies into every step of the transfer process. Spot and neutralize threats before they can derail your project.
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