Over-complexity is the silent killer for many companies, and it’s a proven fact. The largest 200 companies in the Global Fortune 500 listing lose approximately 10.2% of shareholder value every year due to complexity.
What is the complexity that is causing so many headaches for so many otherwise-robust companies?
Here is an example of a recent NSF client who was at the mercy of over-complexity:
Following a tough GMP inspection NSF were called in. The company’s long and expensive Form 483 from FDA included all the usual “failure to follow SOPs”, “repeat deviations”, “multiple documentation errors”, and lots more. Following the company’s internal review, the site director provided a list of root causes and their even bigger, more expensive list of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs). He asked NSF what we thought, and our response:
“These CAPAs will only make the situation worse because you’ve missed the single biggest cause of each and every regulatory criticism – over-complexity.”
Late-stage pharmaceutical development requires complicated, expensive processes that do not allow much freedom. Other sources of complexity arise in companies that have grown large as the result of mergers or acquisitions.
There are numerous symptoms of over-complexity, of which many are overlooked. In order to implement successful solutions, it is first of all necessary to identify and determine which symptoms your company is suffering from, these questions do just that:
Symptom No 1: Are you Risk Averse?
Symptom No 2: Do you really understand your products and processes?
Symptom No 3: Do you have complex bureaucracies and hierarchies?
Symptom No 4: Do you have a ‘Corporate Rules’ culture?
Symptom No 5: Do you have unworkable SOPs and documentation?
Symptom No 6: Do you spend lots of time firefighting?
Symptom No 7: Does your Change Control system approve everything?
Symptom No 8: Bad consultants!
Some Solutions: How You Can Simplify
Simplification is hard work, requiring total dedication to clarity, honesty, discipline and intelligence. Here at NSF we have created, and utilize, a six- step simplification process that works:
1. First, create an open and blame free culture. Without transparency you can’t simplify.
2. Use small groups of smart people and move fast. Don’t give people too much time to overthink (it only complicates!)
3. Identify the core purpose of the SOP or system being simplified
4. Process map (visualize) reality and how people interpret it. Make it simple to understand.
5. Remove anything that doesn’t contribute to the core purpose. Use risk assessment
6. Protect what you’ve simplified. Don’t let people put back in what you’ve taken out
Remember, complexity leads to:
- More time needed when you have less available
- More cost you can no longer afford
- More energy wasted
- Greater risk
- Demotivation and disengagement
And finally, make sense and simplify your mantra. Simplicity is an exact medium between too little and too much. That’s your goal.
Want to Know More?
NSF’s human error prevention services provide practical tools and techniques to help reduce so-called human error and repeat deviations, which can save significant costs and protect companies from severe regulatory action.
Make use of our extensive library of free resources including our in-demand webinars here.
About the Author
Martin Lush is the Global Vice President of NSF Health Sciences. An organisation of global experts in consultancy, auditing, education, analytical and certification services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and dietary supplements companies.
With over 37 years’ experience in pharmaceutical and health care industries, he has provided education, trouble shooting, consultancy, due diligence services to clients in over 50 countries. Martin is a ‘Qualified Person’ (QP) under permanent provisions and Honorary Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy. University of Strathclyde.
