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When managing clinical trials, one key question remains: is it better to rely on best-in-breed systems that focus on individual functions, or should you adopt a single, integrated system that integrates and centralizes everything?
For sites juggling CTMS, eSource, eRegulatory, eConsent, payments, participant engagement, and more, the burden of disconnected systems can slow down everything.
In a recent webinar, Rick Greenfield, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at RealTime eClinical Solutions, and MJ Hamersma, Chief of Staff at Cedar Health Research, broke down why centralized platforms like RealTime’s Site Operations Management System (SOMS) offer unmatched value for modern research sites.
The Problem with Fragmentation
Sites that take a “best-in-breed” approach often end up with six or more logins per study. While each system may excel at a specific function, together they create operational drag:
- Siloed data and teams
- Manual exports/imports
- Inconsistent workflows
- Repeated training and onboarding across platforms
MJ shared how Cedar Health Research experienced these challenges firsthand. Fragmented tools required extra administrative effort, slowed communication, and increased the likelihood of errors.
Why a Unified Platform Matters
SOMS unifies the core components of clinical trial operations into one integrated system. That means one login, one data source, and one seamless workflow from startup to closeout.
“Having a single platform allows staff to do more for less and gives leadership the visibility they need to act quickly.” – Rick Greenfield
SOMS connects CTMS, eSource, eReg/eISF, participant payments, eConsent, text messaging, recruitment tools, and business intelligence into a single ecosystem. The result? Greater speed, oversight, compliance, and team alignment.
Key Benefits of SOMS
- Integrated Data: No more importing/exporting between systems. All data flows automatically and securely across modules.
- Operational Efficiency: Staff spend less time on system management and more time on high-value tasks.
- Compliance & Oversight: Automation and standardization reduce risk and improve quality.
- Faster Decision-Making: Dashboards and live metrics provide instant insights for leadership.
- Scalability: Whether managing 5 or 50 studies, SOMS grows with your organization.
Cedar Health Research: A Real-World Example
Since adopting SOMS, Cedar has experienced measurable improvements across recruitment, startup, and site efficiency. According to MJ, the ability to centralize systems led to faster patient connections and cleaner data handoffs.
“What used to take days now literally takes minutes to connect with new patients and get them on the calendar.” – MJ Hamersma
The simplified tech stack also improved staff training and onboarding, making it easier to scale without adding unnecessary complexity.
The Bottom Line
Best-in-breed systems may offer flexibility, but they often bring hidden costs in the form of time, inefficiency, and fractured data. An all-in-one system like SOMS is purpose-built to reduce that friction, helping sites not only do more, but do it better.
Research is becoming more hybrid and fast-paced. SOMS empowers sites to meet the demands of modern trials with clarity, control, and confidence. Learn more about RealTime SOMS.
Based on insights from the webinar, “Best-in-Breed vs. All-in-One,” featuring Rick Greenfield of RealTime and MJ Hamersma of Cedar Health Research. View the webinar replay.
