Driving Success Through Partnership: SGK and Santen’s Global Implementation

Implementations are complex and challenging business transformations. While data points and measurable outcomes are critical indicators of success, the human factors behind these achievements are equally essential; perhaps even more so, as more tasks fall in scope for future Ai efficiencies. The collaboration between SGK and Santen is a current world testament to how shared values, aligned behaviours, and a commitment to partnership can drive outstanding results. This article explores the journey of SGK’s global implementation for Santen, highlighting the key enablers of success.

SGK: A Trusted Partner in Pharma & Healthcare

We are a global packaging and brand experience company that simplifies marketing operations to amplify brand impact and growth. With over 25 years of experience working with Pharma and Healthcare companies, specializing in helping global businesses transition from decentralized packaging artwork models to centralized, scalable solutions.

Santen: Global Leader in Eye Health

Santen is a Japan-based global pharmaceutical company specializing in ophthalmology, dedicated to improving eye health through innovative treatments and solutions. With a strong presence in over 60 countries, Santen focuses on research, development, and commercialization of prescription and over-the-counter eye care products

Building a Strong Relationship: The Santen Journey

The collaboration began in 2017 with SGK providing artwork, prepress, and back-office support for a portion of Santen’s Asia operations. Fast forward to 2023, and the partnership expanded significantly with the award of the EMEA portfolio, while retaining its role in Asia. By 2024, we had fully implemented and transitioned Santen’s EMEA services, bringing process enhancements and a truly aligned global service model.

Key benefits of this transformation included:
• A centralized, scalable global service model
• Enhanced process alignment, across regions
• Future-proofed operational efficiencies
• A foundation for ongoing collaborative innovation
• A cost-effective, long-term operational model

What Drives Success?
Beyond processes and technology, together we recognized that successful implementation relied heavily on mindset, behaviours, and teamwork. A collaborative survey helped both teams identify the core attributes that shaped the success of the project:

Primary Success Attributes:
• Resilience: Navigating challenges with a problem-solving mindset.
• Purpose: Clear goals, early involvement, and sustained momentum.
• Positivity: Proactive execution, adaptability, and a ‘get near to the solution, then go’ approach.

Supporting Attributes:
• Fairness: Ensuring inclusivity, neutrality, and practical solutions.
• Action-Oriented: Clear understanding of why tasks matter and how they impact overall success.
• Guiding Principles: Aligning values across cultures to create a unified, goal-driven approach.

Quantifiable Success: What the Data Says
The combination of structured processes and human-centred collaboration led to tangible results:
• New graphic projects went live within 2 months
• Full implementation delivered 1 month ahead of target
• All priority tasks in implementation completed within 1 month
• All hard deadline tasks completed within 6 weeks

The Importance of Reflection
While these numbers highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation, the key takeaway from this journey was the role of aligned mindsets and behaviours. Both teams embraced open discourse, valued each team member’s contributions, and operated with a shared commitment to excellence.

Luke Rounding, Santen’s Global Artwork Director, “This implementation wasn’t just about delivering a service—it was about building a global partnership based on trust, shared ambition, and a deep respect for each other’s strengths. The way both teams embraced collaboration, stayed focused on solutions, and adapted with resilience was exceptional. It’s a testament to what’s possible when mindset, behaviour, and purpose are fully aligned.

Bennett Martin, SGK’s Client Director for Santen, added: “Implementations of this scale always come with challenges, but the resilience and collaboration demonstrated across both teams made the difference. The alignment of positive mindset and approach ensured that we could adapt quickly, solve problems efficiently, and ultimately achieve our shared goals.”

In Summary

This implementation journey showcases the power of a partnership built on trust, shared values, and an aligned vision. While achieving key operational metrics was crucial, the real drivers of success lay in the people behind the process.
Key learnings from this journey include:
• Stakeholders achieve the most when united around a common goal.
• A positive and resilient mindset translates into dynamic execution.
• Open communication, trust, and shared values drive long-term success.

By combining structured processes with a strong foundation of collaboration, both companies have created a model for successful, scalable implementations. As both companies look ahead, this partnership serves as a benchmark for future growth and innovation.