Success in Action: Our work with a Global Life Sciences & CPG company
Our client, a global leader in the Life Sciences/CPG sector, embarked on an ambitious digital transformation to modernize operations, boost efficiency, and reduce costs across its global footprint.
Known for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, the client faced significant challenges due to the complexity and scale of its content operations. Two priority areas were identified for improvement: their Global Packaging Process, which suffered from disconnected systems, complex workflows, and insufficient data governance, leading to inefficiencies and even product recalls; and their rapidly growing AdOps and Performance Marketing functions, where heavy reliance on manual processes and high operational costs were impacting productivity and visibility across markets.
Over the past six years, we have delivered a series of strategic projects to address these challenges, guided by our Data & Automation solution principles and focused on building a scalable foundation for sustainable growth.
>250
activites
25
roles
10
BPMN process models
Optimising global packaging ‘graphic supply chain’
To address inefficiencies and prevent further product recalls within the Global Packaging Process, we conducted an exhaustive assessment that mapped over 250 activities across 25 roles within 10 BPMN process models. Our deep dive shortlisted 60 key improvement opportunities spanning 8 functional areas.
Our work revealed that disconnected workflows, limited data governance, and lack of a defined ‘graphic chain’ operating model were driving costs and quality issues. By creating a comprehensive business case, we projected £15–£18 million in productivity potential, leading to a multi-year transformation program which is now well underway, including the implementation of a new automated packaging artwork platform.
This initiative is set to not only reduce operating costs and improve process accuracy but also establish a robust, data-driven framework that positions the client’s packaging operations for sustainable, scalable growth.
Streamlining AdOps and performance marketing
We were asked to support the setup of an adaptable operating model for the client’s new internal AdOps and Performance Marketing function by providing skilled external resources to support the internalization of £110 million in media spend from the outset. This initial phase empowered the client to gain strategic control over media trading and operations, reducing agency dependence while meeting or exceeding industry standards for service quality.
Building on this foundation, we implemented Salesforce Marketing Cloud Intelligence (formerly Datorama) to establish a centralised platform for performance tracking, consolidating data from 14 agencies and providing 250 global users with real-time visibility into campaign KPIs. This platform reduced data collation time from two weeks to near real-time, managing 790 million rows of data across 9 channels in 44 markets and enabling senior management to make data-driven decisions with ease.
To further enhance operational efficiency, we developed a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) using UiPath to streamline the Campaign Naming Convention (CNC) process, which had previously required 60–90 minutes per campaign. This automation achieved a 67% reduction in manual effort and demonstrated the potential for broader efficiency gains across the value chain.
Finally, after three years of operation, we conducted an in-depth review of the “As Is” operating model and developed a business case and value proposition for expanding media spend internalization. Our comprehensive audit identified over 125 improvement opportunities grouped into 7 key themes, projecting a £25 million productivity gain over three years with an incremental net revenue (iNR) ROI of 12–15% through automation and AI. This final phase has set the groundwork for scalable growth, allowing the client to handle increased media spend without proportionally increasing headcount.
67%
reduction in manual effort
12-15%
iNR ROI
Achieving a sustainable transformation
Through our strategic partnership and a series of targeted interventions, we have helped our client lay the foundation for sustainable operational excellence across both their Packaging Process and AdOps functions. Our approach has enabled them to streamline global workflows, achieve significant cost savings, and gain full ownership of their data—empowering them to drive growth and stay competitive in a complex global market. This transformation has not only addressed current operational challenges but has also equipped them with the agility, scalability, and data ownership required to drive sustained, competitive growth in a dynamic global market.
