Frequently asked questions | Blue Granite Solutions
Blue Granite Solutions

Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What ALPS is, how long it takes, how it is delivered, and where GranitIQ and The Launch Pill fit.

01

What is ALPS, the Agile Launch Planning System?

ALPS is a structured 10-step framework that aligns cross-functional pharmaceutical teams and turns detailed planning into real execution. It runs from what can be learned from great launches through to tracking success with reviews and KPIs, and can be fully facilitated, partially facilitated or brand driven. See the ten steps.

02

How long does an ALPS programme take?

Plans are turned into action within six weeks. A sustainable launch process, with the mindset and ways of working embedded in the team, is in place within three months and repeatable for the next launch.

03

What does 20% planning, 80% execution mean?

Most launch teams spend the majority of their time planning. ALPS inverts that ratio, so roughly 20% of the time goes to planning and 80% to execution, without reducing the quality of the thinking behind the plan. Longer doesn't mean smarter.

04

Who does Blue Granite work with?

Global, regional and country brand and launch leads in large pharmaceutical companies, and biotech founders bringing a first product to market. The same principles apply to a first launch, scaled to a founding team rather than a big-pharma structure.

05

How is ALPS delivered to a team?

Three ways. Fully facilitated, where Blue Granite runs the programme. Partially facilitated, where the brand team leads with support at key steps. Or brand driven, where the team runs ALPS itself after training, including train-the-trainer.

06

What is The Launch Pill?

A book by Michael Harries setting out a structured, repeatable 10-step approach to pharmaceutical launch execution, built from real-world experience across more than 40 launches. The book is the method; ALPS is the action. Read more.

07

What is GranitIQ?

A launch intelligence platform developed by Blue Granite using proprietary systems and data. Rather than a generic AI chatbot, it is a structured launch strategy workflow built on the Blue Granite method, with managed prompts, tracked data sources, team edits and reusable outputs. It is used in all our programmes. See GranitIQ.

08

Does Blue Granite help teams use AI in launch planning?

Yes. AI belongs in launch planning where it sharpens decisions, not where it replaces thinking. We identify where platforms genuinely add speed, keep data sources tracked and outputs reusable, and build the habits that make new tools stick.

09

Who is Michael Harries?

A global pharmaceutical launch leader with over 25 years of experience and more than 40 launches across oncology, immunology, rare disease and primary care, working across global, regional and country roles. Founder of Blue Granite Solutions and author of The Launch Pill. About Michael.

10

How do I get in touch?

Email info@bluegranite.solutions or complete the form on the contact page. We respond within 24 hours.

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