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Quality mindset ingrained in operations for client excellence
How team culture rooted in quality lays groundwork for agile problem-solving
“Quality mindset should be a default in every work we do.”
That is what Soyeon Ahn, a senior director of manufacturing, says her team at Samsung Biologics bases their work ethic on when working with clients to align on a common purpose and shared commitment to patients.
“Operational excellence in contract manufacturing means assisting clients in maximizing the efficient use of raw materials and time to produce biologics that are high-yield and free of defects,” Ahn says. Ultimately, “client satisfaction is achieved when innovative technology, flexible facilities, and people with a quality mindset work together in harmony.”
In 2023 when Plant 4 initiated its first drug-substance (DS) project involving continuous solids-discharging centrifugation, an unexpected situation arose. Tackling this challenge called for immediate actions with a client-focused mindset, identifying the root cause from the bottom up, and collaborating with relevant teams in real time.
And the teams of scientists and engineers at Samsung Biologics were ready to work alongside and for the client.
Overcoming challenges driven by client-centric teamwork
Back in 2023 shortly after 10 p.m., there was a situation that needed to be promptly resolved by sunrise to ensure continuous bioprocessing, maintain product quality, and save resources for the client. Ahn, the senior director of Plant 4A manufacturing, convened an overnight meeting with engineers, scientists, and the client.
After hours of discussions with the client, the team managed to restart the centrifuge around 5 a.m. the next day to make a quick move onto the next phase without the slightest delay.
A key to agile problem solving in a good manufacturing practice (GMP) and environment is flexibility within the boundaries of a mutually agreed-upon project plan with a client. “Deviations could come at any stage in manufacturing,” she says. “What decides quality is how agile teams can respond to challenges, and how transparently and dedicatedly teams can work with the client.”
Meeting timelines is a promise that Samsung Biologics keeps with its clients. All staff at the global CDMO understand a one-day delay translates to using additional resources that should have been spared and, more importantly, impacting the shared commitment to delivering quality drugs to patients on time.
“Innovative technologies, advanced manufacturing devices, and more scalable bioreactors are all important building blocks that enable our continuous bioprocessing operations, but they are only secondary,” she says. “The primary building block that drives us to achieve operational excellence for our clients is my coworkers who are steadfast in their attention to detail and improvement.
Handed-down culture of quality for client satisfaction
Beomju Choi, a senior engineer, credits the successful end of the overnight campout with the client to a team culture he has been a part of for nine years at Samsung Biologics.
From his first day at work, he was told: "Every action in a GMP facility is a quality step.’" This quality mindset is now second nature for him and his colleagues, driving them to seek innovation and embrace challenges within GMP standards.
"The application of continuous solids-discharging technology to our centrifugation system was challenging but a much-needed step to enhance our bioprocessing capabilities for clients," he says. "Everyone came together to find best solutions under smooth collaboration and partnership with the client."
"Whatever we do, we strive for perfection," Ahn says of the culture developed over a decade ago.
These words are not mere affirmations but principles embedded in Samsung Biologics.
“Mistakes can happen. However, what matters most is how we confront and learn from these mistakes. We take these lessons to heart and approach our clients' projects with a mindset shaped by the Samsung Biologics Way, our living testament to quality.”
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How team culture rooted in quality lays groundwork for agile problem-solving
“Quality mindset should be a default in every work we do.”
That is what Soyeon Ahn, a senior director of manufacturing, says her team at Samsung Biologics bases their work ethic on when working with clients to align on a common purpose and shared commitment to patients.
“Operational excellence in contract manufacturing means assisting clients in maximizing the efficient use of raw materials and time to produce biologics that are high-yield and free of defects,” Ahn says. Ultimately, “client satisfaction is achieved when innovative technology, flexible facilities, and people with a quality mindset work together in harmony.”
In 2023 when Plant 4 initiated its first drug-substance (DS) project involving continuous solids-discharging centrifugation, an unexpected situation arose. Tackling this challenge called for immediate actions with a client-focused mindset, identifying the root cause from the bottom up, and collaborating with relevant teams in real time.
And the teams of scientists and engineers at Samsung Biologics were ready to work alongside and for the client.
Overcoming challenges driven by client-centric teamwork
Back in 2023 shortly after 10 p.m., there was a situation that needed to be promptly resolved by sunrise to ensure continuous bioprocessing, maintain product quality, and save resources for the client. Ahn, the senior director of Plant 4A manufacturing, convened an overnight meeting with engineers, scientists, and the client.
After hours of discussions with the client, the team managed to restart the centrifuge around 5 a.m. the next day to make a quick move onto the next phase without the slightest delay.
A key to agile problem solving in a good manufacturing practice (GMP) and environment is flexibility within the boundaries of a mutually agreed-upon project plan with a client. “Deviations could come at any stage in manufacturing,” she says. “What decides quality is how agile teams can respond to challenges, and how transparently and dedicatedly teams can work with the client.”
Meeting timelines is a promise that Samsung Biologics keeps with its clients. All staff at the global CDMO understand a one-day delay translates to using additional resources that should have been spared and, more importantly, impacting the shared commitment to delivering quality drugs to patients on time.
“Innovative technologies, advanced manufacturing devices, and more scalable bioreactors are all important building blocks that enable our continuous bioprocessing operations, but they are only secondary,” she says. “The primary building block that drives us to achieve operational excellence for our clients is my coworkers who are steadfast in their attention to detail and improvement.
Handed-down culture of quality for client satisfaction
Beomju Choi, a senior engineer, credits the successful end of the overnight campout with the client to a team culture he has been a part of for nine years at Samsung Biologics.
From his first day at work, he was told: "Every action in a GMP facility is a quality step.’" This quality mindset is now second nature for him and his colleagues, driving them to seek innovation and embrace challenges within GMP standards.
"The application of continuous solids-discharging technology to our centrifugation system was challenging but a much-needed step to enhance our bioprocessing capabilities for clients," he says. "Everyone came together to find best solutions under smooth collaboration and partnership with the client."
"Whatever we do, we strive for perfection," Ahn says of the culture developed over a decade ago.
These words are not mere affirmations but principles embedded in Samsung Biologics.
“Mistakes can happen. However, what matters most is how we confront and learn from these mistakes. We take these lessons to heart and approach our clients' projects with a mindset shaped by the Samsung Biologics Way, our living testament to quality.”
Related contents
Samsung BIO Insight Bringing flexible solutions to champion shared commitment to saving lives
Samsung BIO Insight Quality mindset cultivated at Samsung Biologics
Samsung BIO Insight What defines a quality culture at Samsung Biologics?