From startup ambition to scalable operations

In the highly competitive world of clinical research, speed and efficiency are essential for success. For startup CROs, the technical complexity of data management systems can present a significant obstacle to growth. Traditionally, building a study requires software engineer support and extended timelines, which can stifle the momentum of a new organization.

For Inventiv Matrix, their team comprised 10 data management professionals well-versed in clinical research theory but with no software engineering experience. They sought a platform that supported agile operations and allowed data managers to use their clinical knowledge without having to code or rely extensively on vendor support to build their Phase II and III studies.

After evaluating six CDMS vendors, Inventiv Matrix chose Zelta due to its intuitive, no-code designer functionality and robust platform. Starting with just the essential EDC module, Inventiv Matrix was able to seamlessly integrate additional Zelta modules, eCOA and RTSM, as their studies evolved. With Zelta, Inventiv Matrix was able to maintain end-to-end control over clinical trial processes.

Empowering a self-sufficient team of data managers

With most CDMS solutions, building a single study can require 4–5 technical specialists. Inventiv Matrix set out to achieve the same results with just one data manager per study.

With Zelta, Inventiv Matrix established a sustainable training program. Two employees completed Zelta’s mentor training and certification in just two weeks, then took the lead in training new team members. This streamlined process reduced new hire ramp-up time to four weeks and ensured every data manager could confidently build and manage studies.

Today, the team of 10 independently build all studies, enabling Inventiv Matrix to avoid significant headcount and support costs while increasing the number of trials they support.

“We’ve built a sustainable process where each data manager can own their studies from start to finish. That level of independence has been a game changer,” Deepa, Head of Data Management at Inventiv Matrix.

Accelerating study builds

Speed to market is critical in clinical trials, and reducing study build timelines creates a real advantage. While other solutions typically require at least 4–6 weeks to build a study, if not longer, Inventiv Matrix can stand up new studies on Zelta in just 2 weeks—100–200% quicker.

A key driver of this efficiency is Zelta’s reusable library. By leveraging templates and elements from previous builds, the team can stand up the core elements of a study in as little as one day. The library makes it easy to capture and share innovation: each study enhancement is stored, so all future study benefits. These reusable components also provide a stronger database foundation—enabling Inventiv Matrix to manage mid-study updates (MSUs) more efficiently and keep trials on track.

"We consistently meet our study deadlines now. With Zelta, protocol amendments that might have taken weeks on another system are done in days" said Deepa.

Freeing up senior leadership for high-value initiatives

The impact of these efficiencies extends to the leadership team. Before Zelta, Deepa, Head of Data Management, was often pulled into the weeds of daily troubleshooting and project details. Now, with her team able to operate independently, she can focus on strategic initiatives such as study process optimization, business development, and identifying new areas of competitive differentiation. Having senior leadership focused on higher-value work is crucial to ensuring Inventiv Matrix can continue to innovate and adapt as sponsor and regulatory needs evolve.

Building confidence and trust with sponsors

By consistently delivering studies on schedule, Inventiv Matrix has become a trusted partner for sponsors, leading to stronger relationships and new study opportunities for continued growth.

[getModule name="blockquote" quote="With Zelta we've built a reputation for always meeting timelines. Sponsors have the confidence that we'll be able to deliver, no matter how complex the requirements” author="Deepa shared"]

Conclusion

Inventiv Matrix’s experience shows that you don’t need a large technical team to run complex clinical trials. With the right technology and strategic processes, a lean and empowered team can deliver outstanding results.

This partnership with Zelta unlocked new scalability, enabling a small team to deliver major impact while saving big on overhead costs. Removing technical barriers allowed Inventiv Matrix to focus on what matters most: delivering studies efficiently with the highest quality data.