In a recent webinar, leaders from Cedar Health Research and RealTime eClinical Solutions discussed the advantages of choosing a centralized eClinical solution to manage clinical trial site operations versus using disparate systems. By harnessing a fully integrated platform, sites can streamline operations across CTMS, eSource, eReg/eISF, and more – giving teams the visibility and control they need to run faster, more effective trials.
The session featured insights from Rick Greenfield, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of RealTime eClinical Solutions, and special guest MJ Hamersma, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Cedar Health Research.
Why a Truly Integrated Platform is a Game Changer
Managing clinical trials can feel overwhelming when systems are disconnected and data is scattered. On average, sites currently require six or more logins per study to manage various technologies. This can leave team members feeling siloed and frustrated as they juggle multiple systems in a day. Workflow between teams can also be fragmented and difficult, with data and process management becoming a real hurdle. By centralizing everything into one information system for managing clinical operations, organizations can save time and money across the board.
During a trial, sites may have other systems pushed down to them by the sponsor, but as MJ pointed out, this makes it even more important for research organizations to control and streamline their own internal systems as best they can, reducing headaches and improving workflows.
“You can leverage things like payment to patients through your own stipend process versus having a vendor. Being able to manage some of those things internally on your own prevents you from having additional layers of logging into different platforms.”
The Problem with Multiple, Disparate Systems
There are two paths when choosing multiple new technologies: a “best in breed” approach using various specialized software solutions, and the “all-in-one” model, where a unified system handles study operations from beginning to end. Choosing the “best” system for each individual task may seem like the right decision, but choosing multiple “bests” can result in disparate systems that don’t connect, requiring more logins, training, and manual data management. A lack of integration and transparency often results in inefficient workflows, obscuring data and slowing down decision making.
During the webinar, Rick discussed how research organizations often struggle with fragmented processes, siloed data, and the administrative burden of managing separate tools. MJ highlighted that Cedar Health Research previously dealt with these challenges before adopting RealTime’s Site Operations Management System (SOMS).
All-in-One: Why Integration Matters
Integration plays a large role in choosing the right technology. Having a centralized, unified platform allows for easier use, fewer logins, and comprehensive reporting that spans across the organization. One connected system also supports more efficient cross-functional workflows between various departments such as Recruitment, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Management, Finance, and beyond.
“If you’re looking to create workflows that allow staff to do more for less and to give your leadership the strength that they need to enable fast decision making, having a single platform is so powerful.”
MJ explained how centralized platforms like SOMS help eliminate inefficiencies by creating a single source of truth across departments – linking CTMS, eRegulatory, eSource, participant engagement, and financial tracking tools. This simplifies staff workflows and improves quality, compliance, and patient outcomes.
As a seamlessly integrated platform, SOMS transforms chaos into efficiency. Data collected by various teams throughout the trial process will populate and update automatically later down the line – with information seamlessly flowing between all programs and teams. Additional features such as an internal QC portal, Mobile App, and web integrations further empower team members and allow sites to create customized workflows and leverage quality data every step of the way. By strengthening compliance, providing cohesive reporting and enterprise-grade financial management, improving workflow automation, and boosting overall site performance, a unified platform enables research teams to focus more high impact clinical tasks.
Key Benefits of a Site Operations Management System (SOMS)
- Centralized Data Access: Teams no longer waste time toggling between systems.
- Improved Compliance & Oversight: Automation and standardization reduce the risk of errors.
- Scalable & Configurable: SOMS adapts to each site’s unique needs and size.
- Real-Time Metrics & Dashboards: Better forecasting and strategic planning.
Best-in-Breed: More Work, Not Less
Worried about choosing an all-in-one solution and being limited to one set path or missing out on innovation? Rick and MJ pointed out that while choosing multiple products and vendors may seem more open-ended, it actually opens you to more risk, complexity, cost, and inefficiency. Juggling multiple systems puts many data and process management issues on your plate as you try to make connections between data and programs that don’t exist, resulting in inefficient, cobbled-together workflows. As your organization grows, how easy will it be to scale with multiple products updating and moving in different directions? With an all-in-one eClinical system, platform integration, workflows, compliance, participant engagement, and data management are built in. Managing several vendors can also increase your overall cost, with prices differing per product and vendor. With an integrated system from a single provider, billing and payment processing is easier and there is often more negotiation in pricing through volume or bundle deals.
RealTime is dedicated to providing the best products and customer experience possible. Every product has its own development team and roadmap, with system updates occurring at a regular cadence after rigorous quality assurance. We are always focused on innovation and developing the best eClinical solutions, which is why we work closely with our customers to develop new updates, tools, and products designed to help sites perform more efficiently and effectively. We also provide 24/7 Customer Support and white glove Professional Services to help you with implementation, change management, and other services so you can maximize the impact of your technology investment.
Real-World Impact: Cedar Health Research’s Experience
Cedar Health Research’s transition to SOMS led to significant improvements in their operational performance. MJ noted that with full visibility into real-time data, their teams could track recruitment metrics, streamline feasibility and start–up, and make data-driven decisions more effectively. In particular, being able to reach out to new patients and receive their feedback quickly has enabled them to increase patient recruitment across the board.
“RealTime helped us become more effective at recruitment. What used to take days now literally takes minutes to connect with new patients and get them on the calendar.”
With fewer platforms to learn and manage, onboarding and training became more efficient, and staff could spend more time focusing on patient care and trial execution.
Looking Ahead
As clinical research grows more complex and decentralized, platforms like RealTime SOMS will be essential in meeting regulatory demands, accelerating start–up workflows, and ensuring sustainable site success.
“With RealTime SOMS, the site becomes a highly efficient machine that can produce better quality, meet regulatory expectations, and really scale and execute at a much higher level.”
View the complete webinar here.
About RealTime eClinical Solutions
RealTime eClinical Solutions is a leading eClinical technology provider reshaping the landscape of clinical trials with its comprehensive eClinical platform. Purpose-built for clinical research sites, site networks, AMCs, sponsors, and CROs, the platform goes beyond traditional clinical trial management systems to empower research and business workflows for modern-day clinical trials – from trial award and study start-up through to trial execution. RealTime helps organizations manage the research and business of clinical trials, together, with software solutions including CTMS, eReg/eISF, eSource, participant payments (SitePay/GlobalPay), engagement solutions (Text, eConsent, and MyStudyManager™ Participant Portal), and Devana for pipeline management, business intelligence, and process and performance metrics.
Read More: What is a Site Operations Management System (SOMS)?
Read More: Ask the Expert: Tips for Onboarding SOMS
