For the purposes of this Guide, operations are defined as the transformative process within a series of activities, along a value chain extending from supplier to customer. Operations Management designs, operates, and improves supply chain systems for getting work done. The ISPE Good Practice Guide: Operations Management aims to provide the pharmaceutical industry with a knowledge base to promote the use of best practices and operational excellence within pharmaceutical operations management. The Guide addresses all operations along the supply chain, from the selection of raw materials through to the distribution of final product.

The Guide helps save time and money by facilitating effective communication between lab owners, engineers and builders about the function, operation and design parameters that must be met.