FC365 Case Study
Introduction
In this case study, we explore how a leading global biopharmaceutical company overcame significant challenges in their forecasting processes by implementing a cloud-based solution. Through a tailored implementation, FC365 transformed their approach to patient, demand, and sales forecasting, enabling them to better serve patients across 75 countries and drive continued growth.
Client Company Profile
Our client is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing life-changing medicines for serious diseases, often with limited or no therapeutic options. Established in the early 2000s, the company employs nearly 3,000 people worldwide and serves patients in approximately 75 countries. They actively explore new therapeutic options using small molecules, biologics, innovative delivery technologies, and cannabinoid science.
The Challenge
For several years, the client faced significant challenges in their forecasting processes. They were using Excel models that they were satisfied with but needed a cloud-based platform to enhance their capabilities without moving away from Excel. The company required a solution to improve patient forecasting, demand forecasting, ex-factory forecasting, and gross-to-net (GTN) calculations. Additionally, they sought robust forecast analytics to better understand forecast submissions and enable benchmarking across countries and brands.
Without a unified forecasting platform, forecasts were managed in individual country models and manually consolidated, resulting in a disjointed, time-consuming, and error-prone process. This fragmented approach made it difficult to perform insightful driver-type analysis, which either became too challenging or took too long to be feasible. Additionally, creating standard PowerPoint presentations for each brand was a manual and inefficient process, requiring multiple updates whenever forecasts changed. Managing all the individual files across 30+ countries, especially with multiple scenarios being developed within each forecast cycle, further compounded these difficulties and highlighted the need for a more streamlined and integrated solution.
The solution
The ideal solution for this client was FC365, integrating their single-country brand template models within the industry-specific forecasting platform. The package included some custom-built elements in addition to the standard Inline platform:
Why They Chose FC365
Implementation Process
Initial Steps
J+D’s Client Implementation Team assessed the client’s current brand forecasting models. We collaborated with them to identify key data points (e.g., epidemiological flow, treatment rates, patient segment splits) that would be integrated into the FC365 analytics.
Development
We developed the client models to be compatible with FC365, created custom analytics reporting, and built a PowerBI-embedded PowerPoint presentation based on an initial proof of concept.
Overcoming Roadblocks
During initial assessment, the client’s models were still in draft form which necessitated reworking once final versions were provided. We worked with the client to understand the impact of this on delivery timeline and cost. By creating a pipeline for the future custom development of some features, namely What-If Analysis and Growth Drivers, we were able to manage stakeholder expectations and fully deliver the project priorities, taking a phased approach.
Post-Implementation Support
Following implementation, the client engaged us for a second phase of the project, adding a fifth model plus additional brands to the FC365 platform. Future plans are in place to further develop the PowerPoint presentation and FC365 Advanced Analytics.
Outcomes
Success with FC365
Once integrated, the forecasting team quickly began using the brand models in FC365 for their latest forecast cycle and seamlessly transitioned to a new forecast cycle using the platform’s single-button press cycle creation.
The successful implementation of FC365 has led to further phases of the project and strong internal stakeholder buy-in, demonstrating the significant impact of the platform on their business and forecasting processes.
Advantages Discovered
One of the key advantages was the ability to consolidate EPI and sales data into dynamic, interactive reports, which streamlined the entire forecasting process. These reports offer a real bonus in terms of the range of data that can be incorporated. The ability to bring extensive data from the models into the analytics enabled detailed comparison, consolidation, and in-depth analysis. Reports dynamically adjusted to be specific to the selected model, ensuring that different teams working on various brands and models could use the same report while receiving a tailored, relevant experience. This flexibility and customisation further enhanced the platform’s value, making it an indispensable tool for the client’s forecasting needs.
Business Impact
In addition to improved accuracy and scenario planning, the platform also delivered substantial time savings. The automated integration with PowerPoint avoided the need to create multiple slides manually, freeing up valuable time for the team.
Plus, FC365 empowered individuals within the business to conduct their own analysis and explore the forecast dynamically, rather than simply relying on static status slides. This shift not only enhanced the efficiency of the forecasting process but also fostered a culture of proactive decision-making and analysis across the organisation.
The extensive use of live FC365 Analytics, which quickly became the preferred tool due to its superior functionality and user adoption, exceeded project expectations. As a result, the client continues to expand their use of FC365, incorporating new brands and extending their subscription.
Conclusion
The implementation of FC365 has transformed this client’s forecasting processes, providing them with a robust, user-friendly platform for accurate and efficient forecasting. The ongoing partnership and future expansion plans really underscore the success and value of our solution delivery.
