Challenge

NecstGen, The Netherlands Center for the Clinical Advancement of Cell and Gene Therapies, operates at the cutting edge of healthcare. 

The center plays a pivotal role in translating early-stage research into GMP-compliant processes for producing novel therapeutics at its large facility. To operate, NecstGen must ensure the proper functioning of all procedures, training, and computerized systems.

NecstGen’s digital strategy is to utilize a Salesforce-based Quality and Laboratory Information Management System (QLIMS) in a GxP-compliant environment provided by Simploud.

Salesforce is continuously improving its platform, and its updates necessitate continuous retesting and regression testing. The magnitude of testing and demand for thorough documentation posed a challenge to NecstGen’s innovation.

NecstGen needed a test automation solution capable of efficiently managing hundreds of complex tests daily while also securing witnesses for their operations in a cost-effective manner.

“In the Pharmaceutical industry, testing is twice as expensive as you need a witness to review all the tests. So that’s double the labor costs to start with.”

Kees Mensch, Head of IT, NecstGen

Solution

NecstGen selected Leapwork for its Salesforce compatibility and its visual platform, which makes it easy to build, maintain, and scale automation.

Leapwork facilitated a quick ramp-up for Necstgen, enabling the building of initial test cases within two weeks.

“Getting started with Leapwork was excellent. Their team went out of their way to help us quickly get up and running. Now, it’s like using Word or Excel for us. It’s just part of our toolset.”

Kees Mensch, Head of IT, NecstGen

The platform's intuitive design has made onboarding new testers straightforward, allowing them to quickly add value. A recent hire was performing complex tests within two months.

Leapwork’s video recording feature provides on-demand access to necessary information for witnessing, significantly reducing manual documentation and creating huge cost savings.

Outcome

NecstGen has achieved complete test coverage with a fully automated suite through Leapwork, allowing them to operate and remain compliant at all times. Due to their testing efficiency, there is great synergy between development and testing.

“Through Leapwork, my small testing team has always been able to keep up with the development team. When new functionality is delivered, we’re able to test things straight away.”

Popko Nieboer, Senior QA Specialist

Testing has transcended from just validating to actively shaping and enhancing product development. Discoveries from the testing team have brought 270 new features to the product roadmap over the last two years.