• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Parylene Coatings for Medical Device Technologies

    The Big Shift: Nearshoring Trends in Medtech Manufacturing

    OEMs Seek Molders Offering Timely Techniques

    Robotic Surgery: Cutting Through to the Latest

    Packaging, Sterilization Considerations Go Part and Parcel with Product Development
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Regulatory
    Financial/Business
    Top News
    Endologix's AFX2 Endovascular AAA System Earns EU Nod

    Elizabeth Coleon Joins Withings as Chief Marketing Officer

    U.K. Strengthens Medical Device Regulations

    Fujirebio Acquires ADx NeuroSciences

    IVD Market to Decline Steadily by 2030
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Parylene Coatings for Medical Device Technologies

    The Big Shift: Nearshoring Trends in Medtech Manufacturing

    OEMs Seek Molders Offering Timely Techniques

    Robotic Surgery: Cutting Through to the Latest

    Packaging, Sterilization Considerations Go Part and Parcel with Product Development
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Cooling and Melting the Pain Away

    What Are the Fundamentals of Go-To-Market Strategy in Medical Devices?

    Minding the Gap: How Harmonizing Quality Systems Pays Off

    Building Strong Partnerships Between Medtech and Surgeon-Learning Platforms

    Four Key Considerations for OEMs Transferring a Product Program
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Cirtec Medical

    Concise Engineering

    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    JBC Technologies

    Xact Wire EDM Corp.
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    The Importance of Building Successful Supplier Relationships

    The Benefits of Outsourcing Innovation in Medtech Manufacturing

    Patching Healthcare Cybersecurity Risks in the Internet of Medical Things

    Leveraging Open Healthcare Data Standards to Improve Medical Device Manufacturing

    3 Ways Privacy-Enhancing Technology Will Improve Medical Products Innovation
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Cirtec Medical

    Concise Engineering

    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    JBC Technologies

    Xact Wire EDM Corp.
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • eBook
    • Resources
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Columns

    The Five Steps Toward Machine Learning

    When talking about AI and ML, we’re no longer discussing the theoretical scenarios science fiction is made of. We’re talking about what’s possible.

    The Five Steps Toward Machine Learning
    Sue Marchant, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, MasterControl05.01.20
    Everyone in the business world wants to get artificial intelligence (AI) to work for them. The idea that a computer program can basically predict the future is enticing and exciting. What if you didn’t have to test a material to know if it would improve a medical device? What if you knew before implementing a change in the manufacturing line how much time it would save? What if you knew a change in a product component would double sales?

    Those questions are all answerable. When talking about AI and machine learning (ML), we’re no longer discussing the theoretical scenarios science fiction is made of. We’re talking about what’s possible, and happening. That’s an amazing thought, but even more amazing is how few life sciences companies are taking advantage of these technologies. Many want to use AI/ML applications, but few have the means to do so. The process is a long one, so the best approach is to take one step at a time.

    1. Go Beyond the Basics
    As the saying goes, “The first step is admitting you have a problem.” For most companies, the problem is their data is trapped. Whether that’s on physical paper or Excel spreadsheets is irrelevant. The point is, the data is in a place where it can’t be analyzed easily. They haven’t truly digitized their systems. In this stage of the process, you might be able to get some information out of the data. But it’s extremely limited and hard to get. You can also never be sure how dependable it is because, without a centralized location housing the data, you can never be completely sure you have all of it.

    A good example is complaint data. Analyzing complaint data might seem straightforward—it quickly becomes complicated when you consider how many inputs there are. For simplicity’s sake, let’s say you have 10 facilities around the country and each has five employees that record complaints. You also have a website where consumers can register complaints and sometimes complaints are emailed to random employees. Even if you consolidate that data and eliminate duplicate complaints, you still won’t know which device has the most complaints or what can be done about it.

    2. Descriptive Analytics
    Fortunately, the next step in this progression does indicate which product has the most complaints, but not what can be done about it. In the most basic sense, you can manually compile the data and plug it into a spreadsheet to determine which device has the most complaints associated with it. However, this is much easier if you’ve invested in a good quality management system (QMS) that can consolidate complaints. With everything in a centralized location, the data is much easier to access and analyze. Even then, it will probably be limited in its abilities.

    Running with the same example, descriptive analytics can indicate which device has the most complaints or what the most common complaint is. But that’s where its usefulness ends. This type of analytics leaves you guessing as to why that device has so many complaints. And it certainly can’t give suggestions as to how to reduce those complaints. Descriptive analytics tell what happened, but not why or how to proceed. Since your products are literally saving lives, these are important questions to answer.

    3. Diagnostic Analytics
    Taking things a technological step further tells us the “why?” of the problem. As the name implies, diagnostic analytics get to the heart of why the problem is happening. This is when the real benefits of analytics start to come into play and AI makes its debut. Besides explaining why something is happening, AI can show where the problems are, so you know where to focus your efforts. Natural language processing (NPL) can analyze complaint data to identify themes that wouldn’t be apparent using the analytics available in steps one and two.

    The traditional complaint management system has a human enter information into a form. This inherently restricts the information that can be gleaned from the complaint. Human error and limitations in the form lead to misdirection when companies try to determine areas in which they can improve. NPL looks at the entire complaint to analyze what went wrong and why. It can also interact with a larger digital system to give a precise, root cause of the complaint. Diagnostic analytics serves as a transitional step from retroactive quality to proactive quality. It does look at the past, but makes suggestions on how to improve in the future. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to analytics.

    4. Predictive Analytics
    Once you feel comfortable in diagnostic analytics, it’s time to quit living in the past and look to the future. Predictive analytics provide invaluable insights into a business. Forecasting and simulations let you see how decisions are likely to play out without implementing them. This level of analytics requires a level of digitization and interconnectivity that few life sciences companies have achieved at this point. Predictive analytics will only be as accurate as the data that’s being analyzed. If you’ve already adopted software as a service solutions, you’ve taken the first step. Getting those solutions to integrate or switching to ones housed on the same platform will give the baseline needed for predictive analytics.

    Let’s say you’ve used diagnostic analytics to figure out that most of the complaints relate to devices that include a specific component. Changing that component is more complicated than a simple swap, however. The manufacturing line has to be altered and there are multiple ways this can be done. How do you know which option will be the most efficient and productive? Using predictive analytics, you can determine the answer to those questions before making the changes. That way you won’t have to make any costly changes only to determine later that even more changes need to be made. 

    5. Prescriptive and Integrated ML
    Predictive analytics are based on actions suggested by a user and represent an approach more efficient than trial-and-error. You can simulate how an action will affect processes, but predictive analytics don’t tell you what actions to take. Since solutions can be elusive or you might settle on a less-than-optimal solution, having a form of AI that suggests a solution is invaluable. Even better, the AI can automatically implement the solution without needing human interaction. ML can look at data and calculate risk more accurately and faster than any human, making ML-based decisions the most likely to succeed in a business.

    Using predictive analytics to make the component change to a manufacturing line would be easier than trial and error, but still difficult. You’d have to code every scenario and run it through a simulation to arrive at the most efficient decision. ML does all this automatically. It learns as it goes and incorporates that information into future decisions. The more it analyzes, the more effective it becomes and the greater asset it is to your business.

    The potential of AI to transform a medical device company is exciting, so you might be tempted skip a few steps to get to the most advanced step with the highest payout. The problem with this is without a foundational understanding of AI and the tools already in place, there is no way to effectively jump on board the ML train at the last stop. Skipping steps in a process as complicated as this one is a recipe for disaster. You could immediately invest in AI/ML applications, but if you haven’t taken the time to build the proper framework, the applications won’t produce effective results.

    It’s worth it to slowly build up your AI/ML initiatives in your company. This can take years, but it’s better to do it right than to rush through it. Where you start depends on where the company is. Do you already have digital initiatives in place that will help take advantage of these technologies? Or are you still working on getting rid of paper? Regardless, take it one step at a time and you’ll find yourself with a competitive advantage that will put you at the top of your industry. 


    Sue Marchant is the director of product, machine learning and artificial intelligence at MasterControl, where she is responsible for infusing the advanced data mining and analytics capabilities afforded by these technologies into MasterControl’s cloud-based product life cycle excellence software for the life sciences. She spearheads initiatives around actionable, predictive insights and optimized efficiency, productivity, and compliance.
    Related Searches
    • Software & IT
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Software & IT
    Loading, Please Wait..

    Trending
    • U.K. Strengthens Medical Device Regulations
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • How Are Hypodermic Needles Made?
    • Microneedle Patch Glucose Monitor Proves Virtually Painless And More Accurate
    • The Future Of Biomedical Engineering Advancements
    Breaking News
    • Stratasys to Buy Covestro's 3D Printing Materials Biz for €43M
    • Endologix's AFX2 Endovascular AAA System Earns EU Nod
    • Elizabeth Coleon Joins Withings as Chief Marketing Officer
    • U.K. Strengthens Medical Device Regulations
    • Fujirebio Acquires ADx NeuroSciences
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    July/August 2022

    • Parylene Coatings for Medical Device Technologies
    • Nearshoring Trends in Medtech Manufacturing
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Flower Pollen Extract Benefits Women’s Urinary Incontinence, Study Finds
    3i Solutions Announces New Leadership Positions
    INS Nutra Opens Gummy Manufacturing Facility
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Lanxess' Entire Value Chain to Become Climate-Neutral
    Custom Cars Featuring PPG DELTRON Refinish System Take Awards at Goodguys 24th Summit
    HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Announces 2023 Color Collection of the Year
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Endologix's AFX2 Endovascular AAA System Earns EU Nod
    Elizabeth Coleon Joins Withings as Chief Marketing Officer
    U.K. Strengthens Medical Device Regulations
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    BioIVT Acquires Scottish Drug-metabolizing Enzyme Manufacturer Cypex
    Schott Creates Stand-Alone Company for its Pharma Business
    Marken to Acquire Medical Courier Business of Cedra Express
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    The Body Shop Expands Partnership with Uber
    COSRX Launches Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen
    Weekly Recap: Kylie Makeup Lab Controversy, Glossier Pivots to Retail and Wholesale & More
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Hallstar To Purchase Lanxess’ Polymer Additives Production Site in Greensboro, NC
    Uber and The Body Shop Expand On-Demand Delivery Partnership Nationwide
    Australia-Based Teeth Whitening Technology Leader White Glo Enters US Market
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Xerox Board of Directors Names Steven Bandrowczak as CEO
    ALTANA AG to Sell Its Stake in dp polar to 3D Systems
    Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Epple Druckfarben Lead This Week’s News Stories
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Eukalin acquires Adhesives Specialists
    EyeC unveils new inspection products
    Errol Moebius named VP of IST America
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Weekly Recap: A New Day for Hygiene, Glatfelter Reports Q2 Results & More
    Dyper Achieves B Corp Certification
    Edgewell’s Sales Grow
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    OSSIO Rolls Out OSSIOfiber Suture Anchors in U.S.
    MicroPort Navibot’s SkyWalker System Cleared by FDA
    NuVasive Inc. Reports Q2 2022 Financial Results
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    CdTe Accelerator Consortium Aims to Reduce Costs, Speed Deployment
    Universal Display Announces Retirement Plans of CFO Sidney D. Rosenblatt
    Fast Company Names Zebra Technologies to 2022 Best Workplaces for Innovators

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login