The current environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic offers a fantastic example of the value of working with outsourcing providers. Very few medical device makers have the ability to simply increase their capacity for manufacturing necessary products to help battle the virus. As such, medtech OEMs are able to reach out to their service providers to help with the increased load. Those who have established a relationship resembling a partnership rather than a business arrangement will benefit most and should be able to respond more efficiently. The results will directly impact the response those OEMs can provide healthcare facilities on the front lines who need the products.

Fortunately, this arrangement isn’t a new one due to COVID-19;  the industry has been headed in this direction for years. Jim Medsker of Keystone Solutions Group, explained, “OEMs are leveraging the expertise of contract resources to manage the development and launch of entire programs. This alleviates the resource load on the OEM and often improves launch cycle efficiency. We anticipate this trend to continue, and we also see what we call a ‘hybrid&r