SmartCella COO Johan Rugfelt explains how Anchor Management Consulting helped SmartCella prepare for a future IPO by structuring the business and implementing a new ERP system.

- "We really needed to get our processes in order before the IPO," says Johan Rugfelt, COO of SmartCella. " Anchor Management Consulting has been invaluable in this project.

- Johan, can you tell us a bit about SmartCella and what you do?

- SmartCella is a group with two business areas: Targeted delivery and Regenerative medicine. Targeted delivery focuses on the development and manufacturing of the Extroducer, an endovascular device that enables injection into hard-to-reach organs and tumors. The Regenerative Medicine business area develops cell-based therapies for the treatment of heart attacks and Parkinson's disease.

Preparation and planning

Johan explains that an important part of the preparations for the IPO was to increase the maturity of the business. This meant, among other things, that they needed to build up their own finance department and introduce their own ERP system.

Anchor helped SmartCella to analyze the needs and develop a strategy for the work. The project was divided into three phases: an initial phase of business preparation and procurement, followed by two implementation phases for the finance and manufacturing and supply chain components.

Johan Rugfelt emphasizes how important it was to prepare carefully for the project. Analyzing the business and defining the processes with Anchor's methodology was crucial for the project to have a clear boundary and realistic goals.

- With the help of Roland and Dan from Anchor, we defined our processes as a step in increasing our maturity and defining the requirements for the business system," says Johan.

Procurement and selection of ERP system

SmartCella, with Anchor's help, identified and evaluated four possible ERP systems and finally chose Sage X3. Anchor's Search and Select methodology provided an efficient and safe procurement and evaluation.
- When we chose Sage X3, we felt that we were getting a future-proof and global ERP system. In addition, we gained confidence in the implementer Systemstöd," explains Johan.

Project management and implementation

- Roland has been our project manager and Sven-Erik our Business Analyst. They became part of the SmartCella team throughout the project. Roland has ensured that we stayed within our strict time frames," says Johan.

Roland worked closely with both SmartCella and the implementer to identify potential delays and, where necessary, has taken steps to catch up, for example by prioritizing tasks and providing extra resources when needed.

- I worked with Roland to ensure that all managers prioritized the project so that the necessary resources were available when needed.

Validation and documentation

As SmartCella operates in a regulated industry, validation and documentation was a critical part of the project. Anchor helped SmartCella structure the validation process and write instructions and test cases, as well as coach SmartCella staff during the validation.

- Validation and documentation is a heavy part of the implementation, and Anchor has been crucial in navigating these challenges, says Johan.

Challenges and lessons learned

During the project, SmartCella has faced several challenges.
- One of the biggest challenges has been to ensure that processes, systems and documentation are in line with the strict rules and requirements imposed on companies like SmartCella, says Johan.

- Many had no previous experience of working with this type of system, which meant an uphill struggle to get everyone to understand and use the system effectively. Again, Anchor has been very helpful in supporting our staff after the system went live.

Another key lesson learned from the project is the importance of having a clear and realistic project plan. By breaking down large goals into smaller milestones and having regular reviews, SmartCella has been able to stay on track and ensure that the project has progressed according to plan.

Results and achievements

Thanks to the thorough preparatory work and effective project management, SmartCella was able to complete the project on time and within budget while maintaining quality.

This has not only strengthened the company's people and internal processes, but also increased the confidence of the board and other stakeholders.

- Now we have efficient and standardized processes in a modern ERP system and can grow without chaos.

About the cooperation with Anchor

- Why did you choose Anchor as your partner for this work?

- Our CEO Niklas Prager had good experiences of working with Anchor from previous companies, so it was natural to contact Anchor again.

Johan is very satisfied with the cooperation with Anchor Management Consulting.

- Anchor has played a pivotal role in helping SmartCella take the project all the way. From analysis and planning, through requirements and procurement to effective project management and validation. The collaboration has helped us prepare SmartCella for a future IPO and strengthened our internal processes.

- We look forward to working together again in the future, especially when planning major releases and when further validation and documentation is required," says Johan.

John's advice: hire an architect before building your house

- Finally, can you give advice to others facing a similar challenge?

- My advice to others is to do a thorough homework before starting a project. It is important to map out your processes and clearly define the requirements for the system. This preparatory work is crucial to be able to choose the right supplier and ensure that the project is on time and on budget.
- I like to compare this to hiring an architect when building a house, where a small investment at the beginning can save a lot of time and money in the long run.

 

About SmartCella SmartCella is a global biotechnology company at the forefront of future precision treatments through delivery platforms and the development of advanced therapies. Founded in 2014, the company is based on globally recognized science and research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. SmartCella combines new delivery platforms, such as Extroducer (an endovascular device that allows injection into hard-to-reach organs and tumors) with cutting-edge development and manufacturing of cell-based therapies. The company operates in two business areas: Targeted Delivery and Regenerative Medicines. The international team consists of scientists, innovative visionaries and experienced business leaders who together shape the future of precision medicine and make life-changing treatments available to patients. Read more at www.smartcella.com