Scaling Engineering Efficiency Through CAD Automation at Merck Life Science

About the Client

Merck Life Science is a global leader in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and bioprocess systems. Their engineering operations demand high precision, rapid turnaround, and consistent documentation across complex assemblies such as Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems.

Background & Challenge

Before partnering with us, Merck faced persistent challenges:

• Communication and support from previous design vendors was unreliable, leading to frequent delays and quality issues.

• Manual, repetitive design tasks resulted in wasted engineering hours and inconsistent outputs.

• Complex Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) system designs required deep technical expertise—something previous vendors failed to deliver.

• Documentation errors and prolonged design cycles impacted Merck’s ability to meet aggressive market timelines.

Our Approach

Domain-Driven Collaboration

We began with a deep dive into Merck’s process, reviewing TFF system requirements and existing P&IDs. This upfront investment in domain understanding allowed us to align our deliverables with Merck’s exact technical and operational needs. We also established direct communication with Merck’s engineering and project management teams to reduce review cycles and ensure ongoing alignment.

CAD Automation for Efficiency

To address the core issue of repetitive design work, we deployed a suite of CAD automation tools. This included custom scripts to generate drawings, weld logs, and BOMs with minimal manual input. Standardized digital libraries for vessels, valves, and filters allowed rapid model reuse, reducing both turnaround time and the potential for human error. With this system in place, up to 70% of documentation tasks could be completed automatically — even for highly customized assemblies.

Scalable Team and Secure Delivery

We scaled our team from 2–3 engineers to a 20+ member mechanical design group, blending experienced engineers with new talent trained on Merck’s internal standards. Every deliverable went through a six-eye review process, and all data was handled under strict security protocols including 256-bit encryption and automated version backups.

Quantifiable Impact

• Time Saved: Reduced end-to-end project turnaround from 9 weeks to 4 weeks for complex TFF systems—over 50% faster delivery.

• Effort Reduction: Saved Merck’s team over 600 hours annually by automating 60–70% of design and documentation tasks.

• Error Reduction: Eliminated up to 80% of manual errors in drawings and documentation via automation and standardization.

• Cost Savings: Decreased total documentation costs by ~30%, while freeing up Merck’s own engineers for advanced R&D.

• Iteration Cycles: Cut revision cycles in half, with most projects needing only 1–2 review rounds for client approval instead of 4+.

Example: Custom TFF Skid Automation

For a high-priority custom TFF system, we handled 3D modeling, process piping, and vessel detailing through automated workflows. Our tools generated all general arrangement drawings, fabrication sheets, and itemized BOMs directly from the system model.

Result:

• Delivered the complete package two weeks ahead of schedule

• Zero documentation errors flagged during client review

• Saved ~80 engineering hours, which Merck reallocated to R&D work </aside>

Client Testimonial

“Tandemloop’s team revolutionized our design workflow. Automation of drawing and documentation has cut weeks off our lead times and drastically improved our quality and consistency. They are a true extension of our team.”

— Kiranraj, Manager - Design, Merck Life Science

By seamlessly integrating deep mechanical engineering expertise and advanced CAD automation, we transformed Merck Life Science’s system design process. Our solutions delivered unparalleled efficiency, quality, and scalability—making Merck’s engineering teams faster, more focused, and ready for the future.

Work Samples

2D Drawing of a Tank used in an Industrial Engineering Company.

GA Drawing

GA Drawing

Chassis Drawing

Piping & Instrumentation Diagram

Contact Us

We understand that engineering design challenges vary across industries and applications. Whether your projects involve pharmaceutical equipment, chemical processing, or biotech systems — our CAD automation solutions can be customized to meet your specific design and documentation needs.

Our team will guide you through every step of the evaluation and implementation process, including:

• Analyzing your current CAD workflow and efficiency gaps

• Demonstrating our automation capabilities and deliverables

• Suggesting implementation strategies for your specific needs

• Creating a deployment plan with training and support

To schedule a demonstration or speak with one of our engineering automation specialists:

Email: harsha@tandemloop.in

Offices: India | UAE | Malaysia

We typically respond within one business day. All consultations are confidential and tailored to your engineering needs.

Links and References

Download our Case Study PDF to see how we improved Engineering Efficiency for Merck Life Science: Click to Download

For a detailed look at our automation capabilities and technical specifications, check out this link about our CAD Automation Solutions: How we transformed a MedTech company’s design process