The ability of different medical devices to work together brought us the first artificial pancreas. And with that, the undeniable fact that diabetes tech interoperability is the future of the industry.
But interoperability just between related devices produced by the same company is too limited to realize the full potential of this world. In order to foster true innovation, companies must work together to create highly customizable interoperable systems.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what diabetes tech interoperability is and why it is so important, and how companies can overcome the many obstacles of inter-organizational interoperable systems to help realize the full potential of this technology.
What Is Diabetes Tech Interoperability?
In its most basic form, interoperability is the ability of two devices to exchange information and put that exchanged information to use.
The first widely available artificial pancreas (AP), for example, comprised an insulin pump capable of receiving and reacting to data taken from a connected continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This data exchange and interpretation relied on an algorithm—the third piece in the puzzle. Each one of these parts was developed by the same company.
Today, we have multiple AP devices on the market. Some comprise parts made by a single company and some consist of interoperable pieces made by separate companies.
Even as more diabetes technology companies open their minds to working with one another, the restricted nature of these partnerships continues to hinder the potential of diabetes tech interoperability.
Why Is Achieving Diabetes Tech Interoperability So Important (and Difficult)?
The true potential of diabetes tech interoperability cannot be realized until it becomes commonplace to create devices capable of communicating and reacting to most other devices in that market.
Creating an AP that comprises multiple options for CGMs, algorithms, and insulin pumps gives the user the ability to choose the exact device makeup that is right for them. Some users may prefer algorithms with a focus on preventing lows, while others may be more attracted to algorithms built to keep blood sugars as close to normal as possible. Users from both groups are likely to have different opinions as to what type of pump works better for their lifestyle and which CGM is more accurate.
With a truly interoperable market, each user would be able to cherry-pick the parts of the whole that are right for them. And by doing so, they would be more likely to achieve healthy blood sugar levels and less likely to suffer from complications.
This same principle applies to the entire landscape of diabetes tech interoperability, from data sharing platforms to smart insulin pens.
For the end-user, a world of true interoperability is the dream. But for the companies responsible for creating diabetes tech, it can be a difficult process.
Diabetes tech interoperability carries its own unique risks and hurdles during creation and manufacture. Not to mention the many headaches associated with getting interoperable devices cleared by regulatory bodies.
But more than anything, the biggest hindrance to achieving true diabetes tech interoperability is that it requires companies to be just as invested in the devices created by other companies as those they are developing themselves.
Hurdles to Intercompany Interoperable Device Development
In order to achieve diabetes tech interoperability between devices created by one or more other companies, each organization must be willing to work together throughout the entire development process.
At each stage in this process, there are hurdles that must be overcome.
During the development and engineering of new products, each company must adhere to a common standard shared by all partners. This process, especially, requires a huge degree of communication. If one partner experiences problems in development, it will affect how each proceeds with their product.
Developing new products based on an established standard provides a guide for all known and future partners to follow in order to assure compatible products. While some rudimentary standards have been established, such as those created by IEEE, most industry-wide standards are too vague to be effective. In many cases, standards must be developed and agreed upon by those creating that specific system. Differences in priorities between companies can make this process and the long-term adherence to established standards difficult.
Beyond established standards for the development of new technology, interoperable devices must also share common technology or IP. This is important for reducing variability between components and assuring all pieces continue to function together seamlessly. How easy it is for partners to agree on and implement a common technology or IP depends on existing corporate culture and management differences.
Product testing can be another sticking point in diabetes tech interoperability development. Not only must each piece function perfectly on its own, but it must be tested to ensure it works with every other component. This is a far more complex process than testing a standalone device because the usage scenarios are far more wide-ranging.
The need for constant communication and synchronized development in diabetes tech interoperability does not end when the products hit the market. Post-market surveillance is crucial for ensuring diabetes tech interoperability, as it ensures each device continues to function as intended with updates and bug fixes. Issues discovered during this process will require further communication to ensure any fixes or recalls are done in tandem and cover all necessary parts.
The Need for a Neutral Third-Party Partner
It is difficult enough for one company to develop and build a highly advanced medical device or software. Creating and building multiple highly advanced technologies across multiple companies to achieve true diabetes tech interoperability seems nearly impossible.
Spending too much time focusing on your own tech will invariably lead to issues with timing and compatibility between devices during the final rollout. Pay too much attention to what your partner companies are doing, and you may end up being the one with the problematic device.
How do you collaborate with multiple companies to achieve true diabetes tech interoperability without compromising your product’s integrity or risking the system’s overall compatibility? The answer is in a neutral third-party partner.
Sequenex works as the go-between to unite partners and technology in the pursuit of multi-company diabetes tech interoperability.
We create modular and flexible software frameworks that accelerate the development and delivery of innovative interoperable diabetes products. And, we make sure the processes are standardized and align to relevant Quality standards, such as ISO 13485 and IEC 62304. By overseeing the project as a whole, we free each partner up to supervise the creation of their own technology. We allow you to focus on the tech that makes your product great while we focus on the complexities that will allow that product to interact seamlessly with the larger interoperable system.
To learn more about our services and what we can do for you, visit our website or contact us today.
