When installing a new cleanroom, pharmaceutical companies are under pressure to ensure that the new infrastructure is compliant with regulations, achieves the required level of sterility, and supports manufacturing efficiency. Having the new equipment installed by a dedicated team sent by the company designing and manufacturing the cleanroom is crucial in achieving these goals.
However, not all such teams are created equal. Many cleanroom providers outsource the installation of the cleanrooms they design and manufacture to subcontractors. Working with a cleanroom specialist that does this may superficially be attractive to pharmaceutical companies due to cost or time pressures. However, there are many advantages to working with a cleanroom partner offering in-house installation expertise and capability that can help ensure the success of any cleanroom project.
These advantages include:
Specialist knowledge and experience of the technology and the project ensures consistent quality control
A key advantage of working with a cleanroom partner with in-house installation capabilities is that the installers have years of experience handling the designs and equipment being used in the project. These installers are better able to maintain quality control throughout the project than subcontractors, because they are directly employed by the cleanroom partner and are therefore subject to the same quality control standards as the rest of the company. This ensures that your cleanroom is built to your exact specifications and that there are no surprises when the project is complete.
As specialists in the cleanroom space, in-house installers will also be more familiar with the latest industry standards and best practices than outsourced installation teams who may not exclusively or regularly install cleanrooms.
Improved communication and coordination between designers and installers streamline timelines
Another advantage of working with a cleanroom partner with in-house installation expertise is improved communication and coordination between cleanroom designers and installers. Outsourcing installation allows for communication gaps that can lead to negative consequences for the project. For instance, the outsourced partner might see something and work around it and not question it, but someone with experience like the in-house team would see an odd detail, question it, and work together to find a solution.
When the installation team is directly employed by the cleanroom partner, this communication gap is eliminated, reducing the risk of misunderstandings. This can lead to a smoother and more efficient project timeline.
In-house teams receive training that ensures installation consistency
Outsourced installation teams don’t benefit from regular training in the cleanroom designs they are being called upon to install, increasing the risk of inconsistent work. With in-house installers, pharmaceutical companies can be confident that every team member has received training to ensure they fully understand the project.
At AES Clean Technology, we provide regular hands-on training for every team member in the field through our AES University program. This provides our installers with videos and courses on everything from how to install our technology and designs, to our standard operating procedures, to key information on compliance with the latest standards. Having this platform that everyone in our company engages with enables a level of consistency in the field that non-expert outsourced installers may not be able to match. Our team also receives AED, CPR, and First Aid certifications, carry up-to-date OSHA10-OSHA30 certifications, and complete comprehensive forklift, scissor lift and fire-watch training.
Improved long-term relationships between the pharmaceutical company and cleanroom partner, ensuring ongoing quality
Finally, working with a cleanroom partner with in-house installation expertise can help foster long-term relationships after the cleanroom is installed. This is because the cleanroom partner is invested in your success and will be there to support you not just during the installation, providing regular communication, but throughout the life of the cleanroom as well.
They can provide ongoing cleanroom maintenance and support, as well as help you to adapt your cleanroom to changing needs over time. For example, at AES Clean Technology, we offer preventative cleanroom maintenance programs to actively care for customers’ cleanrooms after the keys have been turned over. We also have an aftermarket team to handle all your warranty, upgrades or modifications, and repairs.
A cleanroom partner with in-house installation expertise also benefits from feedback on the construction efficiency of previous designs. Combined with insights on new cleanroom building trends – such as prefabrication – this inspires continuous improvement of the installation process to deliver pharmaceutical companies an even more robust solution for their needs in the future.
Ask your cleanroom partners about their internal capabilities
When considering a cleanroom project, it is important to determine how the final cleanroom will be installed with the prospective partner. Confirming whether they can carry out the installation in addition to the design and manufacture of cleanroom modules can help provide reassurance that the project will be completed on time, within budget and to exact specifications.
Contact AES Clean Technology today to discover how our in-house installation experts can help you unlock the full potential of your new cleanroom facility.