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CASE STUDY

Documenting workflows and centralizing storage of memos for R&D teams

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Business Case

A global leader in life sciences wanted to digitally transform the entire process of raising a request for a memo till its approval and eventual distribution. They also wanted a centralized repository for all memos created to capture noteworthy research related information within the organization.

Memos in R&D teams usually capture information manually wherein details like raw materials used in clinical research, summary of activities, guidelines of research, supplier cost comparisons etc. are filled in by those involved in the project. These are then reviewed, approved with emails sent to self-managed teams and research units via Outlook manually. Forms and attachments are also downloaded individually making the entire process time-consuming, lengthy, and tedious.

There was also the need to opt for a paperless, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative. Proper classification and standardization of information is also an R&D requirement. Users want to find and access data pertaining to research activities easily. The entire memo lifecycle needed to be formalized and channeled for better project related outcomes.

Our Solution

Keeping the complexities of the client in mind, a memo management system was customized to suit the client’s exact needs. With a combination of SharePoint in the backend and PowerApps, our experts built a solution that enabled users to store, view memos, and send automatic notifications in the form of emails to approvers and stakeholders.


With this custom-built solution, users can view the memos raised in the system and also who logs in. The entire memo workflow is documented wherein you can view status of memos, memo progress, and eventual approval. A complete view of approvers at two levels is also available. 

All information can be configured with any failure reported back to the creator. Reasons for rejection also are captured. Information can be added to the system at any point in time and it is dynamic.


Easy accessibility also means better user control. You can also view projects and the allied research unit for each memo created. Research schemas can also be added in the form of screenshots thus avoiding manual documentation.

Challenges overcome

  • Adding the flexibility of attaching multiple chemical schemes to memos.

  • Auto scale adjustment of images when memos are published as PDFs by fitting each image in a page without breaking the flow.

  • Fitting table rows of research data within a page with page breaks added greater detailing.

  • Adding dynamic HTML features in Power App helped create checkboxes in the form.

Benefits

  • Fully customizable and automated portal documenting the entire memo lifecycle

  • A single, centralized and organized repository to access memos thereby improving management and access of critical business and research data

  • Improved workflow and transparency by tracking status, progress and approval of memos in real-time

  • Paperless and cost-effective solution

  • Enhanced user control with ability to dynamically add or modify information by all users

Results