Management Control in a Laboratory: Optimization and Strategic Oversight

Johanna Batistella: Finance Controler 

 

The function of the Management Control area in a company is to plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate all activities related to business management. This includes goal setting, budgeting, monitoring key performance indicators, making data-driven strategic decisions, and ensuring the company operates efficiently and effectively. In summary, Management Control helps the company achieve its goals and improve performance through intelligent management.

In a medical laboratory, Management Control plays a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing all activities related to pharmaceutical research, development, production, and commercialization. Specific functions of Management Control include:

  1. Monitoring and controlling research costs.
  2. Analyzing production efficiency to ensure quality and reduce lead times.
  3. Evaluating the profitability of different pharmaceutical products and business lines.
  4. Budget monitoring.
  5. Deviations tracking.

Budget Monitoring: Budgets serve to help companies plan their operations over a specific period, typically a calendar year. Key components of an annual budget include:

  • Revenue forecast based on historical earnings.
  • Expense projection for smooth business operations.
  • Departmental budgeting with specific expense allocations.
  • Contingency fund for unforeseen expenses.
  • Strategic plan with medium and long-term objectives.
  • Regular reviews of actual expenses and revenues to ensure goal achievement, known as monitoring.

Once goals, strategies, and resources are established, the company can navigate the near future with reduced uncertainty. Inflation considerations are crucial, especially in regions like Argentina.

Integrating all company areas into the annual budget simplifies detection and correction of departmental deviations. It’s ideal to start this process three months before implementation. Effective budgeting involves coordinating all departmental needs and maintaining strong internal communication to align specific actions with overall company goals.

Real-time analysis and agile responses are crucial for managing and correcting deviations promptly. Accurate measurements provide detailed insights into key areas requiring control.

 

Steps for Budgeting:

Calculate assets such as properties, machinery, equipment, and vehicles minus liabilities like bank loans or supplier debts. This assessment not only aids budgeting but also determines project viability and growth potential through effective financial control and strategic analysis.

Define operational costs and variable expenses of the organization, including raw material costs, industry-specific commissions, bonuses, and social charges, sales support, advertising, medical samples, and freight. Fixed expenses like salaries, social charges, fees, maintenance, and utilities constitute operational costs.

Profit margin establishment ensures net revenue calculation by deducting operational expenses such as inventory replenishment or raw material purchase.

Inclusion of a contingency fund in the budget aims to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies.

In summary, Management Control in a medical laboratory ensures efficient operations, compliance with quality standards, and achievement of strategic goals in pharmaceutical research and production to contribute effectively to public health.

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