Tag: Project Management

Fill Finish (Aseptic Processing)

Fill Finish operations (Aseptic Processing) are an essential element of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical supply chain. The ability to safely, efficiently and robustly produce some of the world’s leading therapeutics in an aseptic manner is critical to the supply of life changing therapies throughout the world.

At Tandem we have a team of Project Managers and Engineers with extensive Fill Finish experience who specialise in the delivery of Aseptic processing projects.

We provide leading expertise in the areas of Fill Finish Facility and Cleanroom design (including GMP design reviews), Clean and Black utility design, HVAC design including Isolator Technology, Vial, Syringe, and Cartridge Filling and Closing, Lyophilisation, Barrier/Containment Technology (Isolators/RABS), Parts Washing and Autoclaving, Formulation and Compounding, CIP/SIP systems, and Ready to Use Single Use Systems. We also provide expertise in Process Automation systems required within Fill Finish facilities.

Tandem delivers these services throughout the entire project life cycle and can offer a full turnkey package from overall Project Management, Concept Design, Detailed Design, (including process equipment specification and procurement), Construction Management, Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation right through to Operational Readiness.

Cork Chamber Large Company of the Year Finalist

Tandem is thrilled to be selected as a finalist in the 2021 Cork Chamber Company of the Year Awards.  To receive this recognition from the Chamber is a great honour and we are privileged to be counted amongst the finalists.


Congratulations to all of the finalists, we look forward to the ceremony on the 26th of May.

Spotlight on Services: Project Controls

The Tandem Project Controls team provides specialised expertise across project lifecycles to reduce client risk, improve value and deliver positive outcomes in all sectors of the built environment. Services include cost control, procurement, contract administration, risk management, scheduling and document control.

Through cost estimates Tandem will establish project viability and a robust baseline. It delivers value management and value engineering, lifecycle costing and cost forecasting. Tandem will estimate and plan costs to proactively manage the project budget, optimising cost performance from inception to completion. Tandem delivers and manages cost reports throughout the project lifecycle and manages cash flow forecasting.

Tandem will expertly schedule each phase of a project from concept, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning through to qualification, validation and operational readiness.  It delivers man-loaded schedules and S-Curves with weekly earned versus actual progress reporting. Tandem’s critical path analysis, progress updates, identification of slippage and development of recovery plans delivers clarity and transparency. Tandem develops portfolio scheduling for PMO’s and micro-schedules for complex areas of work where detailed coordination is required.

Tandem offer procurement services and will prepare tender packages for trade contractors and equipment vendors, it will perform tender walkdowns and lead bid clarification meetings. Tandem will undertake commercial and technical bid analysis, issuing award recommendations on tender reports, managing vendors and leading final negotiations.

Tandem will identify the most appropriate procurement and contracting strategies to minimise risk to time, cost and quality. It will prepare contractual documentation, ensuring all parties are familiar with their contractual obligations and remain compliant at all times. Tandem employs timely communication to ensure the smooth progression of the contract. Tandem will implement change management procedures that facilitate well informed decisions and ensure effective financial management. It will deliver certification of monthly valuations, assessment and agreement of contractual claims, assessment of contractor claims for delays and provide advice when assessing claims for any time extensions and costs for delays.

Tandem’s expertise in risk management delivers analysis of potential project risks. Tandem will develop risk mitigation strategies, maintain a Risk Register and regularly communicate the mitigation status with stakeholders. Tandem also implement controlled processes and practices for the creation, review, modification, issuance, distribution and accessibility of documents.

Oral Solid Dose Capabilities

Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) facilities, producing tablets & capsules, use well defined unit operations, regardless of production volumes or usage for single or multiple product manufacture. Facilities typically include Dispensing/Formulation; Blending; Granulation; Drying; Compression/Encapsulation; Coating; Packaging & Receiving/Warehousing Operations.

All OSD facility full life cycle project requirements can be designed & managed by Tandem’s team of Project Managers, Design Engineers, Construction Managers & CQV Engineers with extensive OSD experience.

Tandem will expertly deliver your desired project outcomes in Facility & Cleanroom design, Clean & Black utility design, HVAC design, OSD equipment unit operations including clean support process areas for quick turnaround without unacceptable risk of product exposure (i.e., dust & cross-contamination), Primary & Secondary Packaging operations, Serialisation & Warehouse design.

Tandem also deliver expertise in ATEX & process safety to ensure correct containment requirements are outlined & embedded in the design process.  Our building services engineers provide extensive experience in BMS/EMS systems to support the monitoring of critical processes within an OSD facility.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Services

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become an essential part of the project design process as it facilitates smart, efficient and robust designs, reducing environmental impact and overall project costs, whilst providing increased cost certainty. The BIM model can ultimately be adopted post handover by the client for the qualification, maintenance and management of the facility and systems, whilst in operation.

At Tandem Project Management, we specialise in providing Structural, Architectural, Mechanical & Electrical BIM services to the Pharmaceutical, Medical device, Tech and Commercial sectors alike.

We provide BIM services throughout the project life cycle from concept design and visualisation, detailed design and coordination, to simulation, scheduling and constructability reviews. The Revit and 3D software we use help our design teams collaborate, innovate, and connect with clients in more productive ways.

Tandem Project Management uses Building Information Modelled (BIM) on projects to develop a coordinated design solution which align with the architectural design intent of the project. We have the capability to produce design stage BIM models from Level of Development LOD100 (concept) to LOD500 (operation) with accompanying 2D design layouts. The BIM team can produce video clips, walk throughs and renderings of a model to showcase the design intent to the clients key stakeholders.

BIM is an important tool for coordinating services and equipment to facilitate the operation and maintenance requirements of the new or existing building. Tandem adopt a clash avoidance philosophy from the outset, to supplement scheduled clash detection reviews, resulting in a more streamlined design process. A final clash detection operation, incorporating all the approved construction elements, is carried out prior to Issue for Construction, avoiding costly delays and potential site rework.

The BIM model is also used to obtain material and equipment quantities to assist with providing accurate cost estimates, procurement and overall cost control throughout the project.

The Future of Engineering

When Tandem meets with students, undergraduates and graduates interested in pursuing a career in engineering, we are always impressed with the technical ability, drive and enthusiasm that we see in budding young engineers.

As part of our CSR programme, Tandem engages with The Engineers Ireland STEPS Young Engineers Award, STEM South West, and i-Wish. Tandem also hosts TY students annually and employs undergraduate interns and graduates through our Advance graduate programme.

Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme encourages primary school children to see the world of engineering that exists everywhere in their environment, in their home, on their street and in their community. Tandem actively engages with the STEPS Young Engineers Award, visiting schools, explaining to children what it is like to work as an engineer and encouraging them with their engineering projects. We always see a spark of inspiration in 3rd and 4th class primary school children when they are introduced to engineering through the Young Engineers award.

STEM South West and i-Wish are opportunities to meet with secondary school students, provide encouragement and to answer all of their questions regarding engineering as a career.

Our goal is to give our graduates rounded, cross discipline, full lifecycle training and experience, and in return we see inspirational young men and women contribute fully, enthusiastically and purposefully to the world of work. Working with young engineers is wholly beneficial to our entire operation.

This year’s graduate fairs have been moved online due to COVID-19 restrictions. This has not affected our ability to engage with potential candidates for the Advance programme. UCC’s first virtual fair took place recently and was found to be targeted and seamless, producing great results for our graduate recruitment campaign.

The Future of Engineering

Tandem’s current graduate engineers have a lot of say about the Advance Graduate Programme:

“The support I have received from Tandem has made the transition from college to the work place an easy journey and I anticipate the experience will only get better as the years go on.”  Evan O’Donovan.

“The experience I am gaining on the programme will no doubt be invaluable to my career as a process engineer.” Maria Costello

“The Tandem Advance Graduate Programme has given me vital hands-on experience working in the Pharmaceutical industry.” Gary O’Leary

Tandem is delighted to play a significant role in helping shape the careers of these young engineers and recognise very clearly the benefits we receive from their being part of our company. In Ireland, the Future of Engineering is strong and its potential is immense.

Pharma Supplier of the Year Award Nomination

Tandem was shortlisted in the 2020 Pharma Industry Awards, Pharma Supplier of the Year category. Receiving a finalist nomination is a proud achievement for Tandem.

Our award submission centered on our company culture of results, collaboration, flexibility, developing our people and maintaining strong relationships with our clients. Our submission described our proven innovation in solving complex engineering issues, demonstratable repeat business from clients and evidence of our clients’ satisfaction levels through customer survey results.

Each member of the team contributes daily to Tandem’s success. Tandem wishes to extend thanks to them for their dedication to maintaining high levels of productivity and quality of services for its clients, especially during the pandemic. Tandem recognise that it is the work of our team that has occasioned this award nomination.

Tandem also wishes to thank its clients for their support during our ten years in business. One of the highlights for Tandem has been to help our clients deliver successful and fulfilling projects that ultimately improve peoples lives.

Tandem is delighted to have been a finalist among very strong contenders for this award. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising and producing this virtual awards event and many congratulations to all of this year’s Pharma Industry Awards winners!

Advance Graduate Programme Update

In 2019 Tandem welcomed Maria Costello, Gary O’Leary and Evan O Donovan to our Advance Graduate Programme. Advance is a three year programme that aims to give graduates an insight into all aspects of the business in a structured and measured manner, to ensure graduates achieve as broad an experience as possible, on both a professional and personal level in these crucial first years of their career. By the end of the programme, graduates will not only have gained significant experience in their chosen discipline, but have gained exposure to other disciplines, client sites and many aspects of the project life cycle which will equip them best with driving their careers further in the direction of their choice, while further building on the knowledge gained to date.

“I have just completed my first year as a Building Services Engineer in the Tandem Advance Graduate Programme. During the past 12 months, I have worked as a Black Utilities and HVAC CQV Engineer on a new pharma site. The experience has allowed me to work alongside clients and contractors on site and to gain an understanding of what is required when working in a commissioning role. With 2 years still remaining in the programme I look forward to joining the design team and seeing a project through from start to finish through the stages of design, installation and commissioning. The support I have received from Tandem has made the transition from college to the work place an easy journey and I anticipate the experience will only get better as the years go on.” Evan O Donovan

“The Tandem Advance Graduate Programme has given me vital hands-on experience working in the Pharmaceutical industry. During my first year on the program I have been working on site, allowing me to gain a broad range of experience working in a Fill Finish environment. I have participated in executing development trials of new equipment and introducing it into site. I will benefit greatly from the skills I have gained on site when I return to the design office for the next stage of the programme. Gaining on site experience that I can use to improve my design skills is the greatest strength of the Advance Graduate Programme”. Gary O’Leary

“My time on the Tandem Advance Graduate Programme has been excellent. I have had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects across multiple sites. I have gained hands on experience in aseptic processing and extensive knowledge of Fill Finish and cleanroom operations. My next rotation is in the design office, where the process knowledge I have gained can be applied to the project design lifecycle. The broad spectrum of experience that the programme offers allows me to not only gain experience as an onsite process engineer, but also allows me to work on projects from the initial design stage through to completion. The experience I am gaining on the programme will no doubt be invaluable to my career as a process engineer.”  Maria Costello

We currently have opportunities for Graduates with qualifications in:

  • Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering and Bioprocess Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering

If you are interested in applying for our Advance Graduate Programme or if you require more information please click here.

Advance Grad. Programme

Recent Project Wins

August 2020

  • Biologics – MSAT and Analytical Laboratory preliminary design
  • Pharmaceutical – Security and ERT building detailed design
  • Pharmaceutical – Compressed air generation building detailed design
  • Biologics – Compressed air generation and distribution concept design
  • Semiconductors – Project Management of Headquarters building fit out
  • Biologics – Project Management of fill finish upgrade
  • Medical device – Large manufacturing expansion detailed design
  • Medical device – Utilities master planning
  • Medical device – Canteen expansion detailed design
  • Pharmaceutical – Office fit out detailed design
  • Industrial – Manufacturing expansion construction management and PSCS
  • Industrial – Manufacturing fit out detailed design
  • Industrial – Cold chain logistics expansion- BCAR services
  • Pharmaceutical – HAZOP, ATEX and other process safety services

Tandem Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary!

10th July 2020 marked Tandem’s 10th Anniversary. Tandem is delighted to reach this milestone in such a strong position to enter into the next decade of its planned growth and expansion.

Thank you to all who have supported Tandem during our 10 years in business. Thank you to our personnel for their hard work and dedication in building Tandem’s reputation for collaboration and delivery.

Thank you to our clients, some of whom have been with Tandem since its inception in 2010. Tandem will continue to deliver a best in class service to its valued clients and look forward to developing existing and new relationships on future projects.

Since 2010, our team has delivered over 800 projects and we enjoy regular, repeat business with over 40 clients from multiple sectors. Looking to the future, Tandem is embracing opportunities to further enhance its services through digitisation and lean methodologies. Our long-term strategy will see the team steadily grow and our activities expand further into Europe.