Medical device industrialisation and contract manufacturing

...manufacturing, assembly, packaging and distribution!

What is it and who does it apply to?

Medical device industrialisation, with or without contract manufacturing, means going from the validated prototype to series production with defined, controlled and traceable processes, without losing along the way the conformity demonstrated in the technical file. What is manufactured has to be, batch after batch, exactly what was certified.

It is needed by start-ups and manufacturers without their own plant, looking for a full contract manufacturer, and by manufacturers who want to outsource assembly, packaging, sterilisation or logistics without giving up control over their device.

At MeDev Consulting we manage manufacturing end to end: material purchasing, incoming inspection, full traceability, assembly, functional testing, packaging, sterilisation, storage and distribution.

What the regulation requires

Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) requires manufacturing to take place under the manufacturer's quality management system, with process control, validation of special processes whose outcome cannot be verified on the finished device (sterilisation, package sealing, welding) and traceability by batch and unique device identifier (UDI).

Whoever applies the CE marking remains the legal manufacturer and responsible for the device even if a third party manufactures it: the contract manufacturer works under the legal manufacturer's quality system and a quality agreement that allocates responsibilities. In Spain, in addition, a manufacturer of devices for third parties needs its own AEMPS prior operating licence.

EN ISO 13485 details the requirements on production control, infrastructure, work environment, identification and traceability and preservation of product that a contract manufacturer must meet.

What we do at MeDev Consulting

Comprehensive Product Industrialization

Manufacturing, assembly, control, packaging and logistics!

Purchasing & Control

Material purchasing, incoming inspection and complete product traceability.

Assembly & Testing

Functional testing, professional assembly and rigorous quality control.

Packaging & Logistics

Packaging, sterilization, storage and complete distribution.

We design and manage the specific production system for Medical Devices. MeDev Consulting offers a complete product manufacturing management service.

From material purchasing, incoming inspection, complete product traceability, functional testing, assembly, packaging, sterilization, storage and logistics.

How we work

  1. 1

    Design transfer

    We freeze specifications, drawings, work instructions, tooling and acceptance criteria in the device master record (DMR).

  2. 2

    Validation and pilot batches

    We validate special processes (IQ/OQ/PQ) and manufacture pilot batches to confirm capacity, lead times and quality.

  3. 3

    Series production

    Purchasing, incoming inspection, assembly, functional testing and release of each batch with its device history record (DHR).

  4. 4

    Storage and distribution

    Packaging, sterilisation, storage under controlled conditions and distribution with traceability down to the customer.

Frequently asked questions

If MeDev Consulting manufactures my device, who is the legal manufacturer?

You are. The legal manufacturer is whoever places the device on the market under their own name and signs the declaration of conformity. MeDev Consulting acts as contract manufacturer, under your quality system and a quality agreement that sets each party's responsibilities.

Do I need my own AEMPS licence if I outsource all manufacturing?

Yes. As legal manufacturer you need your prior operating licence, and the contract manufacturer holds its own as a manufacturer of devices for third parties. Both are required and complement each other.

What is design transfer and why does it matter?

The formal step from development to production: specifications, drawings, work instructions, tooling and acceptance criteria are frozen in the device master record (DMR). Without it, every batch reinterprets the design and the conformity demonstrated in the file is lost.

Which processes must be validated before series production?

Those that cannot be fully verified on the finished device: sterilisation, package sealing, welding, moulding or cleaning. They are validated with IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and revalidated when the process, equipment or material changes.

How is traceability guaranteed?

With batch records for every critical component, UDI identification, batch manufacturing records (DHR) and incoming, in-process and final inspection control. It is what makes it possible to locate and recall product from the market if ever needed.

Can you also handle sterilisation and storage?

Yes. We coordinate sterilisation with qualified sterilisers, including its validation, and storage and distribution under controlled conditions, with traceability down to the end customer.

From what volume does it make sense to industrialise with you?

It all depends on the type of device: we cannot set a volume without knowing it. Send us the information about your device and we will indicate a reasonable minimum quantity based on our experience.

Bring your product to manufacturing successfully

We accompany you throughout the scaling and industrialization process of your medical device.