Almac has launched its new forecasting platform, COMPASS, designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the supply inventory process during clinical studies. According to the company, COMPASS provides benefits to clients by allowing the supply chain manager to proactively direct the entire clinical supply chain, ultimately saving money often lost through inaccurate forecasting or overproduction of supplies. 
 
COMPASS allows the supply chain manager to produce material forecasts for bulk product, finished goods, and packaging components. Typically several forecast scenarios are produced upfront using available data such as patient recruitment projections and protocol information. Clients can then select the most appropriate model to proceed with.
 
The tool has the ability to update the material forecast throughout the maintenance phase of the trial based on actual patient usage data. This allows the supply chain manager to then review the system outputs and evaluate production and distribution strategies.
 
Michelle Foust, Almac’s director of new product development, said, “We are very excited and pleased to have clients utilizing this new tool. It is unparalleled in its ability to proactively manage supply forecasts and has already proven to be of use. Most recently, a client brought us a forecast they had generated internally. When we ran it through the system to check compliance, it immediately pointed out a simple error that would have cost the client thousands of dollars. It is instances such as these that make us proud we’re able to offer these types of services.”