WS19.1 – How to Liaise with Your CRAs and Sites

In the modern clinical supply chain, the most technologically advanced forecasting tool is only as good as the data coming from the field. As trials become more decentralized and complex, the disconnect between Clinical Supply Managers (CSMs), Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), and site staff remains a leading cause of drug waste, protocol deviations, and missed patient visits. This interactive workshop moves away from the “us vs. them” silos and provides a practical framework for building a transparent, high-functioning communication loop. Participants will engage in role-playing scenarios and hands-on exercises designed to troubleshoot common friction points—such as “just-in-case” over-ordering by sites and the lag in reporting damaged kits. We will explore how to empower CRAs to be “Supply Champions” during monitoring visits, ensuring they have the right checklists to verify inventory without adding to their administrative burden. The session also addresses the shift toward Site-Centric Supply Models, focusing on how to use digital dashboards to provide sites with the visibility they want while maintaining the control the sponsor requires.