The life sciences industry loves a total solution. However, this isn’t the case when navigating direct-to-practitioner (DTP) sampling. Elite DTP sample management separates technology and program oversite from fulfillment activities for streamlined rule and regulatory adherence.
Some fulfillment houses are tech-savvy, but sampling isn’t their core focus. They might only offer sample management to check off a box. And at larger fulfillment houses, IT teams don’t fall under the right brand or report to the right group, which gives them little control over DTP samples. Leveraging a fulfillment house for sampling solutions means partnering with a company that might not offer the depth of capabilities or resources needed or that’s slow to adapt to tech and industrial changes.
When you look beyond fulfillment houses, however, you find specialists who understand the nuances of DTP sampling and specialize in what truly fuels your growth and commercial success. Before getting locked in a relationship that might not deliver in the long run, consider the perks of separating sample management from fulfillment activities and partnering with a true expert in DTP sampling.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
In a recent study, nearly half of primary care practices reported having a drug rep visit weekly. About 60% reported that their practice had a sample closet—a designated area used to store free samples.1 Often, this is where drug samples go to expire or are given out freely, which has its own set of repercussions. Uncoordinated sampling programs like these leave significant money on the table.
A company specializing in sampling focuses solely on ensuring DTP samples compliantly and effectively reach healthcare professionals (HCPs), enabling better ROI on sampling programs over time. Some fulfillment houses lack internal IT resources and lean on specialists to leverage their sampling solutions and capabilities, support the backend, and keep up with an ever-evolving industry. Yet, it’s still more advantageous to work directly with specialists who take the most thoughtful and coordinated approach to sampling.
Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers then have more freedom and flexibility in the fulfillment vendor sphere. For example, they can try new vendors that specialize in ambient vs. frozen or refrigerated delivery without compromising or having to rebuild compliance processes and business rules.
Sampling Made Smart
Synergistix is a leading provider of life sciences technology and compliance solutions, immersed in sampling, CRM, and data management and analytics every single day. In fact, we’re one of the specialists that large fulfillment centers often tap for tailored and continually evolving sampling solutions, centralized rule management, and independent program oversite.
What makes our approach “smart” is our technology and deep understanding of compliance paired with unique program rules that we can standardize across multiple programs in place. Through independent program oversite, we account for every step of the sampling process, ensuring DTP samples and starting units get in the hands of patients and practitioners—not the back of a sample closet.
Smart sampling programs require depth in three business facets: technology around your systems, deep knowledge of the subject, and a commitment to service and partnership.
- Technology
SampleIQ is the engine that drives smart sampling. It automates processes to optimize inventory and reconciliation data collection, ensuring DTP samples compliantly reach HCPs and enabling better ROI on sampling programs. - Expertise
SampleIQ can be programmed to rules and guidance, but that only takes sampling so far. We have superior technical competencies and a deep understanding of industry regulations to support representatives and managers in commercial growth. - Partnership
SampleIQ is backed by a full-service call center, 100% onshore support team, direct relationship with account managers, and single contact for request tracking, issue resolution, and project planning.
Specialized Tech & Support from Synergistix
Bottom line: fulfillment companies are great at fulfillment and physically handling products, which is why we leave that up to them. We’re great at compliance and DTP sampling. So, who do you want to run your technology?
Contact Synergistix to learn more about our smart sampling solutions and expansive partnership network that can help you nail down strategic vendors for fulfillment and 3PL services.
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