iEnvision-Datavision: A Guide for Medical Writers to Smarter Publication Planning
In the quick-paced world of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, data openness and effective project management are a must. For medical writers, this usually involves balancing several documents, timelines, partners, and reviews—while guaranteeing that all is compliant and publication-ready. This is where Datavision™ comes in.
Developed by Envision Pharma Group, Datavision™ is one of the world’s most popular publication planning tools in healthcare industry. More than 85,000 users depend on Datavision to plan, manage, and monitor publications in an organized, compliant, and collaborative manner1. But what does this mean for medical writers?
Whether you’re new to Datavision or looking to learn about its potential to the fullest, here’s a summary of what medical writers should know—and how this tool can assist you to efficiently manage your projects.
So, What Exactly is Datavision™?
Datavision is a publication planning and management platform that covers the whole life cycle of a medical or scientific publications (such as manuscripts, abstracts, oral presentations, posters and also encore publications- where one can easily repurpose from the original documents for various needs) from preliminary planning to ultimate publication or presentation. Utilized by over 50 pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies, it maintains transparency, compliance, and collaboration across the publication process1.
The platform is designed with three core workflows:
- Planning (needs assessments, budget approvals)
- Project Execution (day-to-day work of creating a publication)
- Tracking and Reporting (monitoring progress and performance)
Medical writers are most active during the Project Execution phase, where writing, reviewing, revising, and approval occur.
Who Uses Datavision?
Datavision isn’t exclusive to writers—it’s a shared space for anyone who plays a role in the publication process. This includes:
Each of these roles interacts with the platform differently. For example, authors and reviewers typically access the system through a web-based portal, while publication managers and writers often use the desktop application.
The Writer’s Workspace: Core Features You’ll Actually Use
While Datavision is packed with features, medical writers mainly use four key areas:
The Workbench – Your Personal Project Hub
The Workbench displays all your current, future, and past tasks in one location. It is like a dashboard, providing direct links to every assigned Authors can monitor messages, tasks, and deadlines, and even see team members’ assignments for improved coordination. The Chart View provides a visual overview of the entire plan1.
Journals and Congresses – the Right Fit
Datavision features a built-in database of 5,000+ journals and 3,000+ congresses, continuously updated by data specialists. Authors can browse, shortlist, and associate targets directly with their publications. If a congress or journal is not included, it can be added within a business day1.
Documents Tab – Where the Action Takes Place
This is where the hard work gets done:
- Upload versions
- Timelines for managing
- Monitoring feedback and approval
- Connect documents to associated studies or therapeutic areas
It comprises several sub-tabs including:- List View for filtering and reporting
- Detailsfor authors, journals, specialties, and notes (metadata)
- Planfor review and feedback tracking
Changes are all logged for audit trail and compliance reasons1.
Writers Workbench – Streamlined, Web-Based Interface
The Writers Workbench is a web-based interface that removes unwanted functionality and presents only current writing tasks. This is perfect for freelance or agency-based writers and allows streamlined workflows with wizards for document submission and review setup1.
Why Datavision Matters for Medical Writers
At its essence, Datavision is more than a tracker—it’s a compliance-driven collaboration centre. It guarantees that:
- Deadlines are met
- Responsibilities are clearly assigned
- Review and approval steps are auditable
- The process for publishing complies with Good Publication Practice (GPP 2022) and ICMJE guidelines2,3
Whether you’re authoring a manuscript or conference abstract, Datavision keeps your team on the same page and in check.
Forward Evolution: From Datavision to iEnvision Datavision
iEnvision Datavision is a new product by Envision Pharma Group which runs on the iEnvision™ platform. This was developed in parallel with Datavision which has been in use for over 15 years by 19 out of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies.
What is iEnvision Datavision?
iEnvision Datavision is an all-inclusive software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution which is built on top of Datavision. It is hosted on the cloud and improves workflow, cooperation, and compliance. It is a comprehensive solution equipped with:
- Efficient debarment: checking tools- Instantly identify banned writers or contributors from participating in research or healthcare initiatives, ensuring you remain in compliance and avoid issues.
- Integration with Altmetric and Scopus for impact monitoring
- Publication specific streamlined workflows
- Seamless collaboration via doDOC®
- Access to a central, searchable Library for approved final documents4,5,6
These upgrades are aligned with industry standards and adaptable to company SOPs—providing medical writers with an efficient and scalable tool.
Datavision vs. iEnvision Datavision: What’s the Difference?4,5,6
Feature | Datavision | iEnvision Datavision |
Platform | Standalone application | Integrated into the iEnvision SaaS platform |
Compliance Tools | Basic tracking and audit trails | Advanced tools (e.g., debarment checks, citation tracking) |
Collaboration | Primarily internal teams | External-friendly with integrated tools like doDOC® |
User Interface | Desktop and limited web functionality | Modern, fully web-based interface |
Database Integration | Journal and congress database | Enhanced, regularly updated databases |
Analytics | Manual tracking | Real-time analytics and Altmetric/Scopus integration |
References
- Traynor, R., & Gegeny, T. (2014). Datavision™ – What do medical writers need to know? Medical Writing, 23(1), 42–44. European Medical Writers Association (EMWA).
- (2024). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. http://www.icmje.org/icmje-recommendations.pdf
- (2022). GPP 2022: Good Publication Practice Guidelines for Company-Sponsored Biomedical Research. https://www.ismpp.org/gpp-2022
- Envision Pharma Group. (2024). iEnvision Datavision® Infosheet. pdf
- Envision Pharma Group. (2024). iEnvision Suite of Services: Case Study. pdf
- Envision Pharma Group. (2024). News Release: Partnership with scite. https://www.envisionpharmagroup.com/news-events/envision-pharma-group-partners-scite-display-smart-citations-ienvisionr-global-medical
Authors:
Manasvi Joshi, Msc (Biotechnology)
Senior Scientific Writer 1, Enago Life Sciences
Connect with Manasvi on Linkedin
Dhanya Mukundan, MDS (Oral Medicine and Radiology)
Expert Scientific Writer, Enago Life Sciences
Connect with Dhanya on LinkedIn
Raghuraj Puthige, PhD., eMDP
Function Head, Medical Communications – Enago Life Sciences
Connect with Raghuraj on LinkedIn