Today's fast-paced digital landscape has driven many mid-to-large-sized companies to adopt tech solutions for operational efficiency. They utilize internal IT teams, software partners, and cloud services, creating a complex ecosystem needing constant upkeep. Digital marketing trends, new distribution channels, consumer engagement, and social media make effective system management crucial for both national and global organizations. SB, a major medical device manufacturer with seven factories worldwide, faced this challenge with over 16 applications and databases per facility, each bound by different regional regulations. To improve oversight, cost savings, production optimization, and future growth, SB decided to unify and consolidate their data.
This time, instead of going with a big consulting firm, SB decided to work with its Costa Rican partner, Akurey. Together, we built an incredible team—data scientists, data engineers, business leaders, legal experts, and more—to design a roadmap to reach this goal. Although the objective seemed straightforward, we knew it would be filled with challenges. Beyond data consolidation, we aimed to create consultative apps accessible to managers, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. We analyzed scenarios site by site, but due to the project's scale, we decided to proceed as each site and system was thoroughly assessed. This helped us move forward faster since each system and factory had its unique requirements.
As we analyzed further, we found that having data visibility at regional, national, and international levels offered immense value from a governance perspective. Yet, compliance presented additional layers of complexity, as some information was considered intellectual property, making the project even more sensitive. Details about production lines, materials, and identified use cases turned out to be the easier part compared to handling this sensitive information. With so many variables, the information and technology architects from both companies concluded that Snowflake would be the cornerstone of the project, and we evolved from there.
The scale of this organization continues to amaze us. We’ve processed nine data sources from all sites, loading data almost in real-time without errors. This has required constant collaboration with over 60 key people in various locations, roles, and with different needs.
Organizations and execution consultants like Akurey understand that existing systems and databases represent significant investments in people, processes, and resources. Technology’s purpose isn’t to add more screens or tools but to enable actionable tasks, automation, and integration—like connecting current apps with Snowflake. Since we began in late 2022, our goal has been to deliver smart insights and controls for executives across production, supply chain, and delivery. With advancements in generative AI, the project’s impact has soared, enabling us to explore AI-driven possibilities like eliminating repetitive tasks, streamlining compliance, enhancing quality, and detecting cost redundancies. This collaboration highlights the value of a united team, bridging organizations of different sizes.
In the end, the real winners are the patients around the world. By choosing a boutique firm like Akurey, SB not only managed to reduce costs but also unlocked efficiencies across multiple sites. In a world where costs are constantly rising, these improvements help mitigate those increases, which ultimately benefits the medical industry everywhere. This partnership goes beyond cost savings and operational advancements; it’s creating a lasting impact that will help make quality medical care more accessible globally.