Case Study

Modernizing Medical Device Software for Enhanced Performance and Scalability in Biopharmaceuticals​

Optimizing Software Solutions and Driving Operational Excellence ​
1147
%

Improvement in Data Processing Speed​

%

Reduction in Testing Time​

%

Increase in User Satisfaction​

Background

The client is a leading global innovator in the biopharmaceutical research sector, recognized for its state-of-the-art laboratory instruments and consumables. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, the client's product offerings are pivotal in supporting critical research and quality control in both pharmaceutical and academic environments. The Bioprocess Solutions Division enhances operational efficiency by providing innovative single-use technologies that enable the safe and efficient production of biotech medications and vaccines. However, the existing medical device software applications have become legacy systems that hinder operational effectiveness, impacting the client's competitive edge.

To maintain leadership in a rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical landscape, the client identified a pressing need to modernize its software infrastructure. This transformation aimed to enhance usability, streamline workflows, and create a robust platform that meets contemporary technological standards and user expectations. Investing in digital transformation is essential for ensuring that the client can respond to market dynamics and continue delivering superior value to its stakeholders.

Challenge

Despite the client's strong position in the biopharmaceutical market, reliance on outdated legacy software systems posed significant operational challenges. The medical device software, developed over three decades ago, consisted of disparate applications that functioned as standalone solutions. This fragmented approach led to inefficiencies in system maintenance and upgrades, with separate project teams managing different applications without alignment. As a result, operational costs increased, and inconsistencies in user experiences emerged, adversely affecting productivity and satisfaction.

With over 5k end users spread across five geographic regions, modernizing the software infrastructure was imperative to improve system interoperability and elevate user satisfaction. The client aimed to establish a cohesive digital ecosystem capable of adapting to ongoing technological advancements. Key objectives included standardization, maximizing code reusability, enable long term support, enhancing application performance and ensuring scalability to support future market demands. Accomplishing these objectives was critical for the client to sustain its competitive advantage and thrive in an increasingly dynamic biopharmaceutical environment.

Solution

Tata Elxsi initiated the modernization journey with a comprehensive assessment, including workshops, SME interviews, and architectural analysis. This evaluation identified app dependencies, workflow challenges, and security risks. A proof-of-concept (POC) for one of the client’s tools demonstrated Tata Elxsi’s expertise in modernization and scalability. Recommendations were provided in a detailed report, laying out the roadmap for modernization.

The team implemented a unified system architecture, replacing isolated applications with an integrated platform. Using a module-based MVVM design with Caliburn Micro, they upgraded the system with modern technologies like VB.NET 8.0 and ADO.NET for improved performance. ActiveReports.NET was integrated to streamline dynamic report generation, providing users with greater flexibility.

Tata Elxsi focused on improving user experience by streamlining the UI across applications, simplifying navigation for over 5,000 users, and accelerating platform adoption. This standardization reduced complexity and enhanced user satisfaction. Additionally, Tata Elxsi implemented the DigiTEst platform, an in-house automation suite based on open-source tools like SonarQube. This solution increased quality assurance efficiency, reducing testing time by 50% and improving accuracy, enabling faster, error-free releases, and contributing to a more seamless user experience.

Tata Elxsi employed a shadow mode development strategy, allowing the old and new systems to run concurrently. This approach enabled real-time comparison, mitigating risks and ensuring a seamless migration. By minimizing disruption and maintaining operational continuity, the transition to the modernized platform was smooth and efficient, allowing the client to fully adapt to the upgraded infrastructure with confidence.

1147-1

Impact

  • 30% reduction in application maintenance efforts, allowing IT teams to focus on innovation and reducing operational overhead.
  • 66% improvement in data processing and reporting speed, enabling faster decision-making, improved business agility, and reduced downtime.
  • 30% increase in end-customer satisfaction, thanks to a streamlined user experience and significantly enhanced system performance.
  • 50% savings in testing efforts, accelerating product releases and ensuring higher software quality with automated testing processes.
  • A unified, scalable software ecosystem, reducing total cost of ownership while enabling seamless integration of future technologies and supporting business growth.

Services rendered

Tata Elxsi

  • Comprehensive Assessment and Planning
  • Software Architecture Modernization - Redesign the applications for long-term durability and multi-year support
  • Technology Selection and Integration
  • Automated Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Sustainability and Maintainability Enhancements
  • User Interface Standardization

Contact us to know more →