Case Study

Impacting Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: Empowering Planners with Business-Critical Shiny Apps

Discover how an international pharmaceutical company dramatically improved their data analytics and decision-making capabilities through optimized R Shiny app development, enabled by strategic collaboration with Appsilon.

Client:
Pharmaceutical Company
Services:
Technologies used:
R/Shiny
Python
React
Posit Connect
astellas
Genmab
merck
johnson and johnson
World Health Organisation
Kenvue
Phuse
Phuse
Phuse
Phuse
Phuse
astellas
Genmab
merck
johnson and johnson
World Health Organisation
Kenvue
Phuse
Phuse
Phuse
Phuse
Phuse

Table of contents

Before:
Limited adoption of R Shiny apps and inefficient workflows made it difficult to secure stakeholder buy-in and budget approvals.
After:
Over 700 users now rely on an integrated digital ecosystem with 10+ R Shiny apps, streamlining operations and securing funding for continued development.

Summary

Appsilon partnered with an international pharmaceutical company to enhance data analytics and decision-making capabilities through optimized R Shiny and Python applications. This collaboration enabled seamless adoption of digital tools, improved operational efficiency, and significantly impacted supply chain planning by empowering teams with business-critical insights.

Unlocking Client Success

  • Securing Budgets Through Rapid App Development
    Fast and successful development of R Shiny applications allowed the client to demonstrate business value to stakeholders, securing further project funding.
  • Boosting R Shiny Adoption with User Monitoring Tools
    A specialized application was developed to track and analyze user adoption rates, providing insights into usage patterns and driving strategic adoption.
  • Scaling Business Impact with 10+ Cross-Team R Shiny Apps
    Over 10 R Shiny applications were built, empowering multiple teams, solving diverse challenges, and enhancing business efficiency.
  • Digital Ecosystem Development
    Custom-built React and Python application serving 700+ active users, seamlessly integrating with existing workflows.

Project Scope & Execution

1. Project Initiation & Growth

The engagement started with a Shiny Proof-of-Concept (PoC) application that successfully demonstrated its business value. This led to increased buy-in from stakeholders and subsequent funding for additional projects. The client appreciated Appsilon’s ability to deliver quickly while aligning with business objectives.Strategic Partnership & Long-Term CollaborationThe partnership, which began in 2020, has since evolved into multiple successful projects, making this pharmaceutical company one of Appsilon’s largest clients.Final Product & Solution ScalabilityThe client aimed to develop a large, complex application serving multiple departments. Initially built using R Shiny, the PoC’s success led to a full-scale redevelopment using Python and React. This new solution:

  • Provided high scalability to meet future business needs.
  • Integrated different technologies, applications, and dashboards to enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Featured seamless interoperability between R and Python, increasing Shiny adoption across the company.
  • Is currently used by over 700 users across various teams.

Beyond the central application, Appsilon continues developing numerous R Shiny applications for various teams and inter-team projects.Types of Work Delivered1. R Shiny & Python Development

  • Empowered multiple teams with tailored solutions for data-driven decision-making.
  • Enhanced agility and adaptability to emerging business needs.

2. R Shiny Consulting

  • Identified gaps, optimized processes, and formulated strategic development plans.
  • Provided valuable insights for informed decision-making.

3. Infrastructure Consulting

  • Delivered scalable architecture solutions.
  • Implemented best practices for security and performance.

4. React Development

  • Designed custom-built applications to enhance user experience.
  • Developed interactive UI solutions for complex workflows.

5. Python Development

  • Automated workflows and optimized data analytics.
  • Strengthened security measures for enterprise-wide applications.

6. Project Management

  • Ensured structured project execution, aligning with client milestones.
  • Delivered projects within agreed timelines and business specifications.

Key Achievements & Impact

1. Development of a Centralized Python & React Application

  • Serves as the backbone of operations, streamlining workflows.
  • Resolves inefficiencies and boosts digital transformation.

2. 10+ R Shiny Applications Developed

  • Empowered multiple departments with data-driven insights.
  • Automated manual processes, enhancing operational efficiency.

3. Application for Monitoring User Adoption

  • Provided actionable insights on app engagement.
  • Enabled strategic decision-making for business-critical applications.

Scope of Project Delivery

Annual Product Reviews & Posit Adoption

  • Demonstrated how Posit products support data science initiatives.
  • Developed quick-install scripts for seamless adoption.
  • Created reusable templates for rapid R Shiny application deployment.
  • Trained and supported data scientists in R Shiny development.

Enhancing Posit Adoption & Securing Budget

  • Deployed monitoring tools to measure R Shiny adoption.
  • Provided key insights for budget procurement & renewals.
  • Ensured R Shiny seamlessly integrates with other technologies.
  • Helped secure new Posit licensing for a growing legal entity.

Overcoming Licensing & IT Challenges

  • Worked closely with stakeholders to optimize licensing costs.
  • Encouraged continued investment in R Shiny for cost efficiency.
  • Facilitated smooth IT department negotiations for system integration.
“Hi Team, I was just on this training session this morning… WOW some fantastic work by the team in moving us to a digital ecosystem. THANK YOU TEAM!!!! I see this as a must-attend training session so please ensure you’re available so everyone is up to speed on this tool. This is a significant step forward for us in expanding our capabilities and data analytics for driving stronger customer service.”

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