While flexibility is still important, particularly in early development, process development involves complex workflows as well as inventory/recipe management, sample management and instrument data management. Process development scientists often still use an ELN to record the experimental narrative: objective, method, results and conclusions, but the increasing need to standardize data capture and ensure data quality requires a more structured approach than a basic ELN. In particular, the ability to share and collaborate across teams and support a continuum of work from development through manufacturing is essential to enable a positive feedback loop for continuous improvement.
Seven questions to ask when considering alternatives to an ELN in development: