Innovation in molecular diagnostics requires more than cutting-edge technology; it demands sophisticated, integrated business systems that can support complex global operations and rapid international expansion.
For Biocrucible, a Cambridge-based molecular diagnostics company and Sapphiros portfolio company, remarkable growth from a UK startup to a global leader in point-of-care diagnostics quickly exposed the limitations of their fragmented software ecosystem. Managing operations across multiple separate software packages created inefficiencies, data silos, and scalability challenges that threatened to constrain their ambitious expansion plans.
Enter Tecvia, a trusted UK Microsoft Partner, who stepped in to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, transforming Biocrucible’s operations and providing the integrated foundation needed for their global expansion.
This case study examines how Tecvia’s expertise in ERP solutions for life sciences businesses, combined with the comprehensive capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and strategic third-party customisations, enabled Biocrucible to streamline complex operations, achieve seamless international rollouts, and scale its revolutionary diagnostic technologies.
The Challenge: Fragmented Systems Hindering Global Growth
Biocrucible’s extraordinary journey from startup to developing groundbreaking consumer diagnostics based on proprietary technology highlighted the severe limitations of their disconnected software ecosystem. Their reliance on multiple separate software packages was no longer sustainable as they scaled operations and prepared for international expansion. Key challenges included:
- Disconnected Systems: Multiple software packages created data silos and inefficiencies across different business functions, hampering operational visibility and decision-making.
- Limited Integration: The lack of seamless data flow between systems resulted in manual processes, duplication of effort, and an increased risk of errors.
- Scalability Constraints: The fragmented approach couldn’t support their rapid growth plans or the complexity of managing operations across multiple international sites.
- International Expansion Requirements: Preparing to roll out to five additional US sites required a unified system that could standardise processes whilst accommodating local requirements.
Biocrucible required a comprehensive, cloud-based ERP solution that could integrate all business functions, provide real-time visibility across global operations, and scale to support their ambitious international expansion plans. After evaluating various ERP systems, they prioritised integration capabilities, scalability, international functionality, and customisation potential, where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central excelled.
Why Tecvia? The Right Partner for Complex Life Sciences
Selecting the appropriate implementation partner was crucial for Biocrucible’s success. Tecvia, a Microsoft Partner with extensive experience in ERP deployments for life sciences businesses, distinguished themselves through their deep understanding of both Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and the unique requirements of medical device operations.
Tecvia’s expertise in life sciences ERP solutions, combined with its network of trusted third-party partners, made it the ideal choice to deliver a tailored solution that addressed Biocrucible’s specific operational needs. Their proven track record with complex life sciences businesses and comprehensive understanding of international rollout requirements set them apart from other potential partners.
The collaboration proved to be exactly what Biocrucible needed—a partner who understood not just the technology, but the intricacies of medical device, international operations, and the specialised requirements of the life sciences industry.
The Implementation: Unifying Operations and Enabling Global Expansion
Working closely with Biocrucible, Tecvia implemented a comprehensive Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central solution that replaced their fragmented software ecosystem with a unified platform. The project encompassed:
- Integrated Business Management: Complete replacement of multiple separate software packages with a single, unified ERP system providing end-to-end visibility and control.
- Research and Development Operations: Advanced capabilities tailored to Biocrucible’s molecular diagnostic development processes and proprietary technology.
- Financial Management: Comprehensive financial controls and reporting suitable for international operations and multi-site management.
- Supply Chain Integration: Streamlined procurement and supply chain management essential for their complex life sciences operations.
- Customised Solutions: Working through Tecvia’s network of third-party partners to customise systems and meet Biocrucible’s specific operational requirements.
The customisation aspect was particularly crucial for Biocrucible’s specialised operations. Tecvia’s collaboration with trusted third-party partners enabled the development of bespoke solutions that addressed the unique requirements of molecular diagnostics development and point-of-care testing, ensuring the system perfectly aligned with their innovative processes.
The Results: Global Standardisation and Operational Excellence
Biocrucible immediately experienced significant operational improvements with its new unified system. Key outcomes included:
- Operational Unification: The integrated system eliminated data silos, providing complete visibility across all business functions and dramatically improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
- International Scalability: Successful rollout to five additional sites in the United States, demonstrating the system’s capability to support rapid international expansion.
- Standardised Processes: Consistent business processes across all locations whilst maintaining flexibility to accommodate local requirements and regulations.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Elimination of manual processes and data duplication that previously existed across multiple software packages.
- Future-Ready Foundation: The scalable architecture provides the foundation for continued global expansion and business growth.
The cloud-based nature of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central proved essential for Biocrucible’s international operations, enabling seamless collaboration and real-time visibility across their Cambridge headquarters and US facilities. This capability was crucial as they continued expanding their global footprint as part of the Sapphiros portfolio.
About Biocrucible: Revolutionising Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Biocrucible is a Cambridge-based molecular diagnostics company developing groundbreaking consumer diagnostics based on its proprietary technology. Located at Chesterford Research Park, the company is focused on making molecular diagnostics as accessible as their lower-performing lateral flow counterparts.
The company applies novel methods to disposable and point-of-care diagnostic technologies, developing next-generation diagnostics based upon breakthrough advances in biomolecular technology. Their work represents a significant advancement in making sophisticated molecular diagnostics accessible outside traditional laboratory settings.
As a Sapphiros portfolio company, Biocrucible benefits from the strategic backing of KKR and the diagnostic expertise of the Sapphiros platform. Following their acquisition by Sapphiros in 2021, Biocrucible has continued expanding its global operations, with successful rollouts to five additional US sites demonstrating its commitment to worldwide accessibility of molecular diagnostics.
By partnering with Tecvia, Biocrucible not only addressed their immediate operational challenges but positioned themselves for sustained growth as global leaders in point-of-care molecular diagnostics.
