Cost-Effective Realization of an International Product Information Database

Abstract

In order to support the worldwide harmonization of pharmaceutical product information, an international database was set up at Merck KGaA. This database was created using a standard groupware tool (Lotus Notes) which allows easy synchronization of data on multiple international servers. In the database different product information documents can be created according to predefined workflows. Additionally, information on differences between documents and implementation dates of the documents are captured. The documents can be displayed in various views and may be searched either in full-text mode or by selection of defined attributes. Finally, the sections of the data sheets can be easily compared. Using this database the work in the local subsidiaries as well as in the central drug safety and product information units is considerably facilitated in a cost-effective way.