RTSM Doesn’t Have to Be Hard: The Shift Toward Scalable, Configurable Systems – Atreo’s Founding Vision

In the clinical trial industry, the status quo for Randomization and Trial Supply Management (Scalable RTSM) has long been defined by delays. For nearly 15 years, the industry standard has forced sponsors to wait three to four months for simple system changes, often battling product quality issues and rigid architectures.

But the industry has reached a breaking point. The expectation of "custom coding" every minor adjustment is no longer sustainable. It is time for a new vision: one rooted in scalability and expert-led configuration.

The Problem with Custom Coding in RTSM

Historically, RTSM development was gated by a disconnect between the "experts" (those who understand trial design, supplies, and randomization) and the "coders" (those who build the system).

When a system is built on custom code rather than robust, pre-built functionality, several risks emerge:
Extended Lead Times: Simple changes take months to implement.
Human Error: Custom-built solutions lack the reliability of standardized, validated modules.
Reduced Agility: During User Acceptance Testing (UAT) or mid-study, making a change becomes a bottleneck rather than a quick fix.

The Vision: Scalability Through Configuration

The driving force behind the next generation of clinical technology is scalability. The goal is to provide a configuration tool that mimics the modern software experiences we see in other industries—intuitive, fast, and reliable.
By empowering RTSM experts to build systems through configuration rather than relying on developers to write new code, we bridge the gap between trial needs and technical execution. This approach allows those who know exactly what sponsors need to run their trials to be the ones actually "developing" the design.

Case Study: From 3 Months to 10 Minutes

The power of a scalable, configurable RTSM was recently put to the test during a client’s UAT. Mid-review, the client requested a new type of unblinding visit for discontinued subjects.
In a traditional, code-heavy environment, this would have required a change order and weeks of development. Using a scalable RTSM solution, the update was ready in the UAT environment just 10 minutes later.

This speed isn't just about convenience; it’s about empowering study teams to move at the speed of science without being limited by their technology.

Empowering Client Services

"RTSM does not have to be hard." This is a mantra we should all adopt. For too long, outdated technology has limited the ability of client service teams to do their jobs well.
By choosing a solution that prioritizes a configurable product vision over one-off custom "fixes," we provide a robust framework that can handle the complexities of modern clinical trials while remaining easy to use.

Conclusion: A New Standard for Quality

The grand vision for RTSM is simple: provide a product where you can put together a trial design confidently and robustly. By moving away from custom coding and toward scalable functionality, the industry can finally achieve a level of quality and speed that was previously thought impossible.