Emma Woodhouse discusses her role in producing and delivering programs, skills that keep everything moving and how her pet peeves don’t care about work deadlines.
Accenture’s Emma Woodhouse, manager of manufacturing and supply chain manufacturing systems (MES) focuses on designing and implementing electronic batch records that help improve efficiency, quality and compliance for global pharmaceutical clients, bringing their manufacturing processes into the digital age.
“No two days are the same in my role as a production programmer, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job,” he said. SiliconRepublic.com.
He added, “One thing I’ve learned is that no matter how carefully you plan your day, there’s always a chance that a new challenge will pop up when you least expect it.”
“Managing the workload requires balancing multiple tasks and deadlines across different projects. Technical documentation, assessment tasks and problem solving are also key parts of the role, helping to ensure that solutions are delivered to a high standard and work as expected.”
What types of projects do you work on?
The nature of MES projects can vary according to the specific needs of the client. Some projects may be on a global scale where the client is looking to roll out an MES implementation across their multiple manufacturing sites or across the globe. This provides an opportunity to pursue a standardized approach to the design of electronic collection records. These projects challenge me to think creatively about how processes can be simplified, standardized and made more efficient while still meeting the needs of different manufacturing environments. I enjoy working with complex requirements and finding solutions that can be reused and scaled across the wider system.
Alternatively, the project may be on a smaller scale to work with a single production site to initiate or improve the records of a large collection, often due to the introduction of a new product, the introduction of new equipment or other process improvement capabilities. These types of projects often allow project teams to form a cohesive team that facilitates collaboration. Some of the most rewarding projects have been those where I have been involved from the early stages of design through to testing and delivery. Seeing a solution go from an idea on paper to a system that supports production operations is incredibly satisfying.
What skills do you use every day?
My role draws on a combination of technical, analytical and interpersonal skills on a daily basis. Problem solving and attention to detail are very important, as I often translate complex manufacturing processes into electronic workflows while ensuring compliance with strict quality and regulatory requirements. I also use project management and organizational skills to balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines and coordinate tasks across different workflows.
While the technical aspects of MES are important, a large part of the job involves working with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. I constantly interact with production staff, engineers, quality specialists, assurance teams and project managers, all of whom may have different perspectives and priorities. Being able to listen, ask the right questions, and clearly explain technical concepts has become as important as the technical knowledge itself.
Manufacturing environments are constantly changing and projects can change course when new needs arise. Being able to learn quickly, think creatively and adapt to new challenges has been invaluable.
What are the hardest parts of your work day and how do you navigate them?
One of the most challenging aspects of my role is balancing the need for focused, uninterrupted work with the needs for collaboration. Designing and setting up MES solutions often requires significant concentration, however projects also involve regular meetings and collaboration with stakeholders across multiple tasks, all of which are essential to delivering the right solution. To navigate this, I prioritize my workload carefully and try to organize my day around important goals. I set aside dedicated time for tasks that require focus, while also ensuring that I am always available to collaborate and support when needed. A clear understanding of priorities helps me stay productive and prevents small tasks from distracting me from more important deliverables.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important. Working in a fast-paced industry means there can always be more work to do, but I’ve learned the importance of taking time off work and recharging. For me, spending time on my hobbies like DIY, coding and producing music is a great way to switch off after a busy day. My three dogs are also very effective at enforcing work-life balance. They are less interested in project deadlines, but more committed to their travel and schedule pickup. Taking that time to disconnect helps me come back to work with a fresh perspective and ultimately helps me be more successful in my role.
How has this role changed as the field has grown and developed?
When I explain my work to friends and family, many are amazed at how modern pharmaceutical production is digital. The reality is that technology now plays an important role in ensuring that medicines are produced safely, effectively and consistently. Historically, most manufacturing processes relied heavily on paper-based documentation and manual data entry. Today, there is a greater focus on digital, automated systems, data integrity and real-time access to information, which has increased both the scope and impact of the role.
As technology has advanced, MES designers have become increasingly involved in creating connected, data-driven solutions that support efficiency, quality, and consistency throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. It also emphasizes the growing measurement, measurement and use of data to drive sustainable development. This means that the role now requires not only technical expertise but also a solid understanding of business processes, regulatory expectations and how different digital systems interact within the manufacturing environment.
One of the most exciting developments has been the increasing use of digital technology to simplify complex processes and reduce the administrative burden on production teams. As the sector continues to evolve, we are seeing increasing interest in areas such as AI-assisted workflows, advanced analytics and greater integration of systems across manufacturing operations. These developments have the potential to further improve efficiency, support faster decision-making and help teams extract more value from production data.
What do you enjoy most about work?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to solve complex problems and see the real-world impact of the solutions I help create. I enjoy solving puzzles, and that’s usually what the role sounds like, except for puzzles involving manufacturing processes, technology, regulations, and a few competing ideas from time to time in the same meeting. I enjoy the variety that comes with the role and the fact that there is always something new to learn. Equally important are the people I work with. MES projects bring together experts from many different fields, and I enjoy the collaborative nature of the role. Collaborating with colleagues to overcome challenges, share ideas and deliver effective results makes work enjoyable and fulfilling.
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