In pharmaceutical manufacturing, every process plays a role in delivering safe, high-quality medicines to patients. Behind that are teams responsible for maintaining strict quality standards and ensuring every aspect of the production environment is under control.

The challenge: managing complexity

When a leading global pharmaceutical company received FDA audit findings highlighting issues in the way hose and ducting products were stored, supplied and controlled at one of its manufacturing sites, the challenge went beyond replacing products. The site teams needed greater visibility, control and confidence in the processes that support compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The root cause was complexity. Multiple suppliers and different hose and ducting products were being used for similar applications, making it difficult to maintain a clear overview of which products were used where, and whether they were suitable for the application.

This challenge is not unique to one manufacturer. Across the pharmaceutical industry, companies must balance strict regulatory requirements with the need to maintain efficient operations. As product portfolios, supplier networks and compliance obligations become more complex, maintaining clear oversight of approved components and applications becomes increasingly important.

The solution: standardisation and control

Reflecting on the project, Sander Smit, Product Manager Industrial Hoses at ERIKS, explains:

"What made this project successful was the close cooperation between the customer's procurement and engineering teams and our own specialists. When we visited the site, it quickly became clear that the challenge wasn't just about hoses. The teams needed certainty. They wanted to know exactly which products should be used, where they should be used, and that they could confidently justify those choices during future audits."

Sander Smit

^{Product Manager Industrial Hoses at ERIKS}

Working together with the customer, ERIKS evaluated the existing situation and helped standardise the pharmaceutical hose and ducting requirements into one approved solution that met both application and compliance requirements. This removed uncertainty, improved compliance control and reduced the risk of incorrect product use.

The result: greater confidence and operational efficiency

The impact extended beyond addressing the audit findings. By reducing the number of product variants, the customer simplified procurement, improved stock management and created a more efficient supply process. With the right solution available from stock, implementation could be completed quickly, helping the site address the findings without unnecessary delay.

For the teams responsible for quality, engineering and procurement, the benefits were equally important. A simpler, standardised approach made it easier to manage compliance requirements, maintain oversight and make informed decisions with confidence.

"The FDA findings made it clear that the customer needed more than a replacement hose. They needed a controlled, standardised solution that gave their teams confidence in what was being used, where it was being used and why it was suitable. By simplifying the product range and aligning it with the application requirements, we helped reduce compliance risk and create a more reliable process for the future."

Sander Smit

^{Product Manager Industrial Hoses at ERIKS}

According to Sander Smit, standardisation is often one of the most effective ways for pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce compliance risk while improving operational efficiency.

Ultimately, the project was about more than compliance. It helped the people responsible for quality, engineering and procurement work with greater confidence, reduced the risk of mistakes and created a more controlled and reliable environment for the future.

The case also highlights a broader lesson for pharmaceutical manufacturers: compliance challenges are often driven by operational complexity rather than product performance. Standardising approved solutions can improve traceability, simplify procurement and strengthen regulatory control while reducing operational risk.

By looking beyond the individual product and focusing on the wider process, ERIKS helped this pharmaceutical manufacturer turn FDA audit findings into an opportunity for operational improvement, delivering greater control, simplified compliance management and increased confidence for the teams responsible for maintaining quality standards every day.