What is GMP Software?
GMP software solutions offer features for achieving and managing good manufacturing practices. Efficiency and security are top advantages, but another benefit of a digital GMP system is the flexibility and wide variety of GMP software and tools available. Facility managers have the liberty to choose based on what the company needs.
What is GMP?
Because processes constantly evolve, it’s important to ensure that manufacturing risks are minimized and corrected by following industry requirements. These risks can be in the form of cross-contamination, mislabeling, and other hazards. GMP tackles similar concepts and works alongside Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) of food safety. Implementing Good Manufacturing Practices will promote safety for the company and its stakeholders and can help lessen production waste, save time, and reduce consumption of other resources that could be allotted to other products. Current GMP standards and other related resources are easily accessible online so it’s easy for professionals in the manufacturing industry to keep their knowledge up to date. It’s important to determine the appropriate standards and GMP regulations since they, and the type of products manufactured in a facility, vary per location. The core concept of GMP consists of quality management, sanitation, and hygiene, building and facilities, equipment, raw materials, personnel, validation and qualification, complaints, documentation and record-keeping, and lastly, inspections and audits. Achieving and maintaining GMP compliance entails conducting GMP audits and inspections routinely. Having a well established system for your company that can streamline processes without affecting product quality will help reinforce GMP.
Why is a GMP System Important?
Implementing a system that can help fulfill GMP compliance is important because it organizes the facility’s operations and enables the proper execution of a GMP program. It also strengthens the company’s employee awareness since the GMP system is based on current standards and local regulations. Supervisors and facility managers can choose from a manual system or an automated GMP software solution.
It is recommended to adapt to digital trends and select tools such as GMP software. One of the key advantages of incorporating digital tools is its ease of use. Software solutions often include additional employee training for easier system transition and integration. Having a GMP system in place doesn’t guarantee GMP compliance if the employees working in the facility are not familiar with it and are not properly trained for it. Facility managers should also remember to monitor the engagement level of the workers and their compliance with the GMP system. If you’re hesitant to integrate an all-in-one GMP system or simply overwhelmed with the GMP requirements, you can pick parts of the system that you can start with, such as an inspection tool to conduct GMP audits with.
Handpicked GMP Software Features
Here are some of the GMP software features to take into consideration when choosing a system or tool for your business.
Web platform – this is convenient for all users in the company because it allows them to view their data system anywhere. Most web platforms also come with mobile apps.
Document management – GMP involves the handling of important documents. Having a feature that helps organize and store documents securely is recommended. Most applications offer cloud storage options so be sure to check if this is an option and what security measures they have in place to keep your files safe.
Manuals and tutorials – Software usually comes with employee onboarding assistance to help with transitioning to the system. Tutorials and other resources should also be available anytime so new employees can also be trained to adhere to the GMP program.
User-friendly – The software should be designed in a way that makes it easier for employees to understand and adhere to the GMP program. It should also encourage regular inspections to ensure that every aspect of the business remains compliant to GMP and other regulations.
Available support – if anything goes wrong, having a dedicated team to help solve the problem will ease the burden and speed up the process of fixing the system. An on-call support team also shows how a company values its customers and provides an assurance of quality for their products or services.
Managing GMP Audits in 2024
GMP audits ensure that products are safe and not tampered with or contaminated. Quality management is one of the core concepts of GMP, and this tackles a wide range of practices that can be broken down into sections for easier implementation. Start off with knowing the scope based on your facility requirements to prevent taking unnecessary steps. Facility managers can consult with their peers and quality and safety officers to collaborate on proposals and check if something should be added or removed from the GMP audit form. Corroborate and finalize the GMP audit form for inspection before disseminating it to the company. Ultimately, using GMP software is the more prudent choice because it helps future-proof the company and sets the stage for a long-term GMP solution.
