Cloud-based computing (also called Software as a Service, or SaaS) allows users access to software applications that run on shared computing resources (for example, processing power, memory, and disk storage) via the Internet. These computing resources are maintained in remote data centers dedicated to hosting various applications on multiple platforms.
Cloud ERP is Software as a Service that allows users to access Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software over the Internet. Cloud ERP generally has much lower upfront costs, because computing resources are leased by the month rather than purchased outright and maintained on premises. Cloud ERP also gives companies access to their business-critical applications at any time from any location.
While technically the only difference between Cloud ERP and on-premises ERP is where the software is physically located, there are other significant differences. Here we explain some of the key characteristics and advantages of Digital Transformation in Pharma and Life Sciences.
The Cloud is particularly valuable to small and medium-size businesses (SMB’s) because it provides access to full-function applications at a reasonable price without a substantial upfront expenditure for hardware and software. Using the right cloud provider, a company can rapidly scale their business productivity software as their business grows or a new company is added.
Opportunities and concerns regarding cloud computing and cloud ERPs
- Lower upfront costs
- Lower operating costs
- Transparency of TCO – enhanced financial image
- Scalability- Flexibility
- Fast deployment
- Integration with other systems and services
- Access to leading technologies and skills
- Business focus
- Accessibility – ease of use
As with all quality assurance, testing is key.
In general, the more you test, the more confident you can be in the quality of the product. More testing includes increasing coverage and frequency of testing to ensure that you not only run a wider range of tests, but that you run these tests every time a change is made that could impact the results of that test.
In software testing, it can pay off to automate those tests, because automation allows you to test at higher speed and with high accuracy, allowing you to eliminate manual, repetitive tasks with risk of human error.
By introducing test automation and removing the tedious, repetitive parts of testing, time can be freed up for other, more value-generating tasks.
In pharmaceuticals, however, test automation often presents a challenge: It requires programming skills to use, when the test automation tool is code-based. But the people who are closest to the test or process are typically not programmers. Often, they have a background in medicine or life science, not in computing.
Opkey is the industry’s leading continuous validation platform that supports enterprise packaged applications like TrackWise, and Veeva, enabling pharma companies to remain validated for GXP, HIPAA, & other regulations. Opkey’s Artificial Test Intelligence engine autonomously creates optimum test models and scenarios for enterprise apps, speeding up the often-tedious manual testing process needed with each new configuration, re-key or change in existing configuration. Opkey’s configuration validation process ensures that all aspects of the process and equipment are duly qualified, in terms of the efficacy, quality and/or records of the products.