How facilities management can spur medical device innovation

Facilities management (FM) has traditionally been an overlooked function in the medical device industry. However, the relentless pressure to innovate, compete, and comply is forcing companies to rethink their approach.

Today, FM is no longer just a cost centre responsible for building upkeep. FM teams have evolved into a strategic partner capable of enhancing operational reliability and efficiency, driving innovation, and ensuring compliance.

This evolution comes as medical device companies grapple with challenges including shrinking margins and regulatory complexities.

As research and development (R&D) budgets tighten and the talent war heats up, FM is proving to be a powerful, yet often untapped, ally for the medical device industry.

In the pursuit of top talent, medical device companies are increasingly recognising the pivotal role of the workplace as a competitive advantage.

Inspiring, wellness-focused environments are becoming a necessity, and FM teams are at the heart of creating these spaces, transforming offices and technical facilities into attractive destinations for skilled professionals.

Beyond aesthetics, well-maintained facilities with modern amenities directly impact employee well-being and job satisfaction. Investing in upgrades, such as improved ventilation systems, concierge systems, and workplace technologies, may seem costly upfront but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.

These improvements can yield significant returns in terms of employee productivity, health, and motivation, resulting in higher retention.

In the highly regulated medical devices sector, the management of laboratories and production facilities presents another layer of complexities.

The unprecedented level of sophistication of new R&D and production systems for complex therapies, such as COVID-19 vaccines or cell and gene therapies, has further raised the stakes.

Once a supporting function, FM teams now find themselves at the forefront navigating this complex regulatory landscape. 

Heightened scrutiny, including the need for real-time data access, has placed immense pressure on these teams to ensure optimal facility uptime while adhering to strict compliance standards. A single misstep can affect speed to market, trigger regulatory sanctions or, even worse, a safety or quality breach.

To foster innovation in these critical environments, medical device companies need FM professionals who are well-versed in GxP standard operating procedures (SOPs), corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and quality assurance protocols.

With technology revolutionising how facilities are operated and maintained, FM teams must quickly embrace digital transformation or risk falling behind.

Smart building management systems and new FM technologies are emerging to elevate the human experience, streamline FM operations and support decision-making.

For instance, the ALICE@Mediapolis business park in Singapore uses a digital facility and asset management platform for space management, maintenance, reporting, and analysis.

Some FM teams have also introduced workplace mobile apps to simplify routine tasks such as meeting room bookings, while others have implemented advanced sensors to collect real-time data on environmental conditions, equipment performance, and occupancy patterns to inform strategic decisions.

With the right implementation, FM teams can also utilise sensors to detect potential issues with key critical equipment such as vibration, temperature fluctuations and pressure irregularities. This elevates the level of proactiveness and prevents these issues from surfacing.

As the complexity and regulatory demands of the medical device industry intensify, many companies are turning to FM partnerships to address these challenges.

By outsourcing FM functions, medical device companies can focus on their core competencies while benefitting from the deep industry knowledge, technological capabilities, and the skilled workforce of specialised FM providers to manage complex facilities efficiently.

Successful collaborations are built on trust, collaboration, and shared goals. By partnering with the right FM provider, medical device companies can optimise facility performance, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately drive innovation for greater business success.