This document serves to clarify the crucial systems found in Quality Assurance Systems including, but not limited to GMP practices.
by Jeff Wu - October 4, 2022
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Definitions
Quality Assurance (QA) – Establishes and maintains standards for consistent product manufacturing.

Quality Control (QC) – Part of QA used to oversee and test product output.

Quality Management System (QMS) – Formal system documenting processes, procedures, and responsibilities to achieve quality objectives consistently.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Covers all production aspects from materials to personnel hygiene with detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) – Consistently outlines operational procedures.

Quality Assurance Through Time

Origin: During World War II, the U.S. heightened production necessitated stringent product inspection. The 1941 sulfathiazole incident, resulting in casualties, spurred FDA revisions, forming the basis for GMPs.

Relevance Today

Relevance Today and for the Company:

Global Knowledge Utilization: Leverages global lab insights to prevent errors, hazards, and ensure quality product outputs.

Encourages Collaboration: Promotes ownership and collaboration across teams.

High Standards: Establishes and maintains high-quality standards.

Consistency: Documented processes ensure consistent, high-quality products through standardized tools like data, standards, procedures, and engaged employees.

Quality Audits: Ensures adherence to standards through systematic quality audits.

Quality Control:

Consistent Product Verification: Ensures each product meets uniform standards, bolstering customer satisfaction.

Safety Focus: Prioritizes safe working environments, production methods, and continuous improvement in QMS-led environments.

Effectiveness:

Process Improvement: Swift identification and improvement of processes using detailed SOPs.

Training Facilitation: Facilitates quick training for new hires, reducing reliance on tribal knowledge.

Documentation:

Tribal Knowledge Management: Transforms tacit knowledge into documented procedures, crucial during personnel changes.

Process Improvement Tracking: Tracks improvement using current business strategies, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance.

Records:

Deviations and Corrections: Documents deviations and corrections to improve processes and product quality.

Traceability: Tracks product history to manage recalls and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Lot Numbers and Batching:

Lot Identification: Assigns unique identifiers to ingredients and materials throughout manufacturing.

Sampling: Regular sampling ensures adherence to QC standards across production phases.

Building and Facilities:

Safety Standards: Ensures safe environments with adequate size, lighting, ventilation, and adherence to safety protocols.

Equipment Maintenance: Regular cleaning, maintenance, and calibration ensure equipment reliability and accuracy.

Personnel:

Education and Training: Regular training ensures staff competency and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specifies PPE requirements to safeguard against lab hazards.

Visitors and Water Quality:

Visitor Management: Manages visitor access to safeguard against hazardous materials.

Water Quality: Ensures water purity through regular testing and compliance with pharmacopeial standards.

Production:

Uniformity: Enhances product quality and efficiency through standardized processes.

Approval Processes: Validates product and process quality, essential for compliance and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Quality Impact: Crucial for consistent product quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty.

Business Advantage: Long-term quality systems enhance revenue and profitability, building a reputation through accreditation with recognized standards like GMP or ISO9001.

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Jeff Wu

Technical Director
Investor & entrepreneur, bringing a unique blend of scientific knowledge and hands-on experience in pharma, laboratory, manufacturing, and cannabis. Deep understanding of chemistry, electronics manufacturing, automation, and cannabis processing.