The end of the Salesforce and Veeva partnership is a major change for pharmaceutical companies that depend on their systems. With the transition deadline set for September 2025, businesses need to develop strategies to ensure continuity, compliance, and long-term efficiency. This document explores the transition, potential risks, and proactive steps companies can take to prepare.
Risks of Delayed Action
The separation of Salesforce and Veeva demands careful planning. Companies that delay their response face numerous risks that could jeopardize their operations.
Lack of Updates or Support
From September 2025, Veeva’s CRM products on the Salesforce platform will no longer receive updates, security patches, or technical support [1].
- Security Vulnerabilities: Without regular updates, businesses expose themselves to data breaches and cyberattacks, particularly in industries like life sciences where sensitive patient and customer data is involved.
- Decreased System Performance: Outdated systems may fail to integrate with newer tools or platforms, reducing overall operational efficiency.
- Compliance Risks: Many regulatory frameworks, such as GDPR or FDA guidelines, require systems to meet updated security standards. Unsupported systems may lead to non-compliance.
Regulatory Compliance Issues
Pharmaceutical companies must adhere to stringent global and local regulations, such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU regulations on electronic records and signatures. Operating with outdated or unsupported CRM solutions increases the risk of falling short in these areas [2].
- Audit Challenges: Regulatory audits often examine the technical infrastructure of CRM systems. Non-compliant platforms could lead to severe penalties.
- Loss of Trust: A single compliance failure can harm the reputation of a company in an industry where trust is paramount.
Operational Disruptions
Transitioning a CRM system without sufficient preparation can result in disruptions to critical business functions, including customer relationship management, data analysis, and regulatory reporting [3].
- Data Loss or Corruption: Poorly planned data migrations often result in partial or complete data loss, which can halt business operations.
- Downtime Costs: Migrating under time pressure may lead to extended downtimes, disrupting sales, marketing, and customer engagement workflows.
- Employee Frustration: A poorly executed transition can leave employees struggling to adapt to the new system, lowering productivity and morale.
Competitor Advantage
Competitors that adapt early can benefit from new tools and technologies, positioning themselves as leaders in the market [4].
- Improved Customer Engagement: Modern CRM systems offer features like AI-driven insights and predictive analytics, enabling businesses to better serve their customers.
- Cost Efficiency: While laggards continue to deal with costly workarounds or outdated systems, proactive companies streamline their operations and reduce long-term costs.
Preparing for the Change
To address these risks and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the transition, pharmaceutical companies must act with precision and foresight.
Evaluate Current Systems
A thorough evaluation of existing CRM systems is the first step to a successful transition.
- System Audit: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current CRM setup, including integration with other tools, security features, and scalability.
- Business Needs Analysis: Identify what the business requires from a CRM platform, such as improved analytics, mobile accessibility, or compliance support.
- Vendor Relationships: Understand existing contracts with Salesforce and Veeva to determine transition timelines and associated costs.
Develop a Transition Plan
A structured roadmap ensures minimal disruptions during the migration process.
- Phased Migration: Break the transition into manageable phases, starting with non-critical functions to test and refine the new system.
- Stakeholder Involvement: Include input from key departments—IT, regulatory affairs, and customer relations—to ensure the new CRM meets cross-functional requirements.
- Risk Mitigation: Identify potential risks, such as data loss, and implement safeguards like robust data backups and parallel system testing.
Select a New CRM Platform
Choosing the right platform is critical to maintaining business continuity and improving future operations.
- Evaluate Options: Research and compare platforms like Salesforce Health Cloud, Veeva Vault, and alternatives such as Oracle and SAP.
- Vendor Support: Select a provider with proven expertise in the pharmaceutical sector and a track record of reliability.
- Future-Proofing: Opt for systems that offer scalability and adaptability to meet evolving business needs.
Train Teams
The success of a CRM transition depends on the readiness of the workforce to adopt and use the new platform effectively.
- Role-Specific Training: Develop tailored training programs for different teams, focusing on how the new CRM benefits their daily tasks.
- Ongoing Support: Provide access to help desks, user manuals, and troubleshooting resources to minimize disruptions.
- Change Management: Address employee concerns about the transition to ensure smooth adoption and sustained productivity.
Prepare for the transition now—secure your business’s future today!
Act now to ensure a seamless CRM transition, maintain compliance, and protect your business from disruptions.
Contact UsHow Zamann Pharma Can Assist
At Zamann Pharma Support, we provide comprehensive guidance to help pharmaceutical companies transition from Veeva on Salesforce to a suitable CRM solution.
Our Expertise Includes:
- Platform Selection: We analyze your unique requirements and recommend the most appropriate CRM system.
- Migration Support: Our team ensures your data is transferred securely and accurately to the new platform.
- Compliance Guidance: We help you navigate the complex regulatory landscape to ensure your CRM system remains compliant throughout the transition.
- Post-Migration Optimization: We provide ongoing support to fine-tune your system, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The end of the Salesforce and Veeva partnership is a pivotal moment for pharmaceutical companies. While the transition presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and stay ahead of the competition. Acting now, with expert support, ensures a seamless transition and positions your business for success.
Contact Zamann Pharma Support:
Website: www.zamann.com
Email: contact@zamann.com
Phone: +49 123 456 789
References
- Salesforce and Veeva. (2023). Announcement of the partnership termination. Retrieved from zensights.com.
- Regulatory Compliance Updates. (2024). Impact of Legacy Systems on Compliance. Pharmaceutical Compliance News, 11(2), 45-50.
- Industry Analysis. (2024). Risks of Delayed CRM Transitions. Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology, 23(4), 89-95.
- Forrester. (2024). Competitive Advantage in CRM Transitions. Life Sciences Insights, 19(6), 33-38.
Mehrnaz Bozorgian
Mehrnaz Bozorgian, a Quality Assurance Specialist at Zamann Pharma Support, brings over 7 years of experience in international pharmaceutical compliance and related quality management systems. Specializing in audit and inspection topics, Mehrnaz's current goal is to focus more on Audit and Supplier Management to enhance the Zamann Service portfolio in this regard. Outside of work, she is an accomplished athlete holding a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo. With a passion for continuous improvement, Mehrnaz is an avid reader who enjoys exploring motivational and lifestyle enhancement resources. Connect with Mehrnaz on LinkedIn for insights into quality assurance and auditing.
