‘No matter how carefully you plan, a new challenge can always appear’
Emma Woodhouse discusses her role in manufacturing and supply chain systems, the skills that keep it all moving and how pets have no regard for work deadlines.
Accenture’s Emma Woodhouse, a manufacturing and supply chain systems manager for manufacturing execution systems (MES), specialises in designing and implementing electronic batch records that help improve efficiency, quality and compliance for global pharmaceutical clients, bringing their production processes into the digital age.
“No two days are the same in my role as a manufacturing execution systems designer, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job,” she told SiliconRepublic.com.
“One thing I’ve learned is that no matter how carefully you plan your day, there is always potential for a new challenge to appear when you least expect it. That’s part of what keeps the role interesting.
“Managing workload requires balancing multiple tasks and deadlines across different projects. Technical documentation, testing activities and troubleshooting are also important parts of the role, helping to ensure that solutions are delivered to a high standard and also perform as expected.”
What types of projects do you work on?
The nature of MES projects can vary based on the specific requirements of the client. Some projects may be on a large global scale where a client is looking to roll out MES implementation across multiple or all of their manufacturing sites around the world. This presents an opportunity to pursue a standardised approach in terms of the design of the electronic batch records.
These projects challenge me to think creatively about how processes can be simplified, standardised and made more efficient while still meeting the needs of different manufacturing sites. I enjoy working through complex requirements and finding solutions that can be reused and scaled across a wider program.
Alternatively, a project may be on a smaller scale working with one manufacturing site to implement or improve master batch records, often due to a new product introduction, new equipment introduction or some other driving force for process improvement. These types of projects often allow project teams to form a tight-knit group which aids collaboration.
Some of the most rewarding projects have been those where I have been involved from the initial design stages right through to testing and deployment. Seeing a solution go from a concept on paper to a system that is actively supporting manufacturing operations is incredibly satisfying.
What skills do you use on a daily basis?
My role draws on a combination of technical, analytical and interpersonal skills every day.
Problem-solving and attention to detail are particularly important, as I am often translating complex manufacturing processes into electronic workflows while ensuring compliance with strict quality and regulatory requirements. I also use project management and organisational skills to balance multiple priorities, meet deadlines and co-ordinate activities across different workstreams.
While the technical aspects of MES are important, a significant part of the job involves working with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. I regularly collaborate with manufacturing operators, engineers, quality specialists, validation teams and project managers, all of whom may have different perspectives and priorities. Being able to listen, ask the right questions, and clearly explain technical concepts has become just as important as the technical knowledge itself.
Manufacturing environments are constantly evolving and projects can change direction as new requirements emerge. Being able to learn quickly, think creatively and adjust to new challenges has been invaluable.
What are the hardest parts of your working day and how do you navigate them?
One of the most challenging aspects of my role is balancing the need for focused, uninterrupted work with the demands of collaboration.
Designing and configuring MES solutions often requires significant concentration, yet projects also involve regular meetings and stakeholder interactions across multiple functions, all of which are essential to delivering the right solution.
To navigate this, I prioritise my workload carefully and try to structure my day around key objectives. I set aside dedicated time for tasks that require focus, while also ensuring I remain available for collaboration and support when needed. Having a clear understanding of priorities helps me stay productive and prevents smaller tasks from distracting me from the most important deliverables.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important.
Working in a fast-paced industry means there can always be another task to tackle, but I’ve learned the value of stepping away from work and recharging. For me, spending time on my own hobbies such as DIY, coding and music production is a great way to switch off after a busy day.
My three dogs are also very effective at enforcing work-life balance. They have little interest in project deadlines, but they’re extremely committed to their walk and fetch schedules.
Taking that time to disconnect helps me return to work with a fresh perspective and ultimately helps me be more effective in my role.
How has this role changed as the sector has grown and evolved?
When I explain my job to friends and family, many are surprised by how digital modern pharmaceutical manufacturing has become. The reality is that technology now plays a central role in ensuring medicines are produced safely, efficiently and consistently.
Historically, many manufacturing processes relied heavily on paper-based documentation and manual data entry. Today, there is a much greater focus on digital systems, automation, data integrity and real-time access to information, which has expanded both the scope and impact of the role.
As technology has advanced, MES designers have become more involved in designing connected, data-driven solutions that support efficiency, quality, and compliance across the manufacturing life cycle. There is also a growing emphasis on standardisation, scalability and leveraging data to drive continuous improvement. This means the role now requires not only technical expertise but also a strong understanding of business processes, regulatory expectations and how different digital systems interact within a manufacturing environment.
One of the most exciting developments has been the increasing use of digital technologies to simplify complex processes and reduce the administrative burden on manufacturing teams.
As the sector continues to evolve, we’re seeing growing interest in areas such as AI-assisted workflows, advanced analytics and greater systems integration across manufacturing operations. These developments have the potential to further improve efficiency, support faster decision-making and help teams extract more value from manufacturing data.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to solve complex problems and see the real-world impact of the solutions I help create.
I enjoy solving puzzles, and that’s often what the role feels like, except the puzzles involve manufacturing processes, technology, regulations, and occasionally several competing opinions in the same meeting. I enjoy the variety that comes with the role and the fact that there is always something new to learn.
Equally important are the people I work with. MES projects bring together experts from many different disciplines, and I enjoy the collaborative nature of the role. Working with colleagues to overcome challenges, share ideas and deliver successful outcomes makes the job both enjoyable and fulfilling.
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