Optimization of SKU creation process and adherence improvement through use of workflow management

Abstract

Over the past several years and into the foreseeable future, Amgen has been experiencing substantial SKU/DFU proliferation. Formerly, Amgen focused primarily on the North American and other developed markets (low to medium mix, high to medium volumes). However more recently, expansion into "emerging markets" has been a focus (high mix, low volumes). Consequently, the complexity of Amgen's product portfolio has substantially increased. Most of the international expansion efforts take place at the Breda packaging facility in the Netherlands (ABR). Here the International Operations team manages SKU launches, SKU refreshes (life cycle management) and SKU rationalization for European, Australian and Emerging Markets. Currently the International Operations Leads manually manage product launches using a combination of Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project, along with various other tools and databases. All tools and processes used are manual or semi-manual, labor intensive and prone to error. The goal of this project was to begin streamlining these processes through the implementation of a Workflow Management Tool. Specifically, a proof of concept for the planning portion of the SKU creation process was the focus. The work studied here resulted in four outputs: 1. Detailed process map for the planning phase of the SKU creation process 2. URS document for Block 1 of workflow tool and draft documents for Block 2 and Block 3 3. Draft Commit-to-Launch process and associated checklist 4. Near and longer term plan for workflow tool implementation