Document control plays a vital role in quality management. It’s an aspect of quality that enables the creation, review, distribution, and archival of a business’s documents within a centralized, controlled framework. This process establishes a single source of truth for all data and restricts access to authorized personnel. An EQMS Software (Enterprise Quality Management Software) unlocks this power.
Businesses relying on legacy systems and paper-based document management can dramatically upgrade and future-proof what they do. By switching to quality management software with electronic document control, they can take better care of their sensitive information.
The
Critical Role of Document Control in Quality Management
Document control software can drastically improve the overall efficiency of the quality process. It does this by ensuring everyone can access the correct, most up-to-date information available. That means there aren’t multiple versions of a document floating around. It avoids issues with accuracy and ensures teams don’t waste time correcting the problems that arise from out-of-date documentation.
This efficiency also makes quality compliance more straightforward. Document control software ensures easy access to the latest version of a document at all times. Compliance with ISO 9001:2015 or the FDA’s GMP requirements necessitates such accessibility. This ensures the organization complies with industry regulations and makes auditing quicker and more efficient.
These efficiencies starkly contrast the minefield of managing documents in traditional systems. Managing documents can be challenging, regardless of whether they are stored electronically or physically. In both cases, it’s easy for multiple versions of the same document to accumulate. This issue can confuse those who need to access the documents regularly. There’s a high chance those documents end up with inconsistent edits, and it’s easy to lose track of the latest version. With an EQMS solution, this can’t happen.
EQMS and Enhanced Document Security
An added benefit of using an EQMS solution for document control is the heightened security of your data. Role-based access control (RBAC) is precisely what it sounds like – it allows access to documents on a user-by-user basis. For example, a line worker is unlikely to be granted access to modify a training document, but their supervisor could do just that.
RBAC means that accessing, modifying, or deleting documents can only be done by those who require that power. Sensitive documents are secure and accurate, cutting privacy violations down to nothing. EQMS, being cloud-based, also uses encryption as a fundamental part of its security measures, protecting data from unauthorized access. Encryption means that even if a third party intercepts data, it won’t be readable to unauthorized users.
Streamlining Document Management with EQMS
Document management has, historically, been cumbersome for large organizations. With an EQMS, however, the process is streamlined from end to end.
Version control
With document management software, finding the correct document is easy while ensuring there’s only one up-to-date version. Version control also allows the organization to see who has edited the document and what the changes were.
Real-time updates
Employees can make changes to documents in real-time, and their changes save automatically. No matter where someone accesses a document, they’ll always see the latest version.
Cloud-based access
Being cloud-based means EQMS document management is not only secure but it’s accessible from multiple devices. Users can access the real-time data stored within the EQMS if they have the right permissions. It’s possible even when they are out on the road, in remote locations, and working offline.
EQMS as a Single Source of Truth
At its core, an EQMS is a central hub for all quality-related documentation. It creates what is often referred to as a “single source of truth” for that information. Meaning, it doesn’t get confused with versions that are not up to date. As a result, quality control becomes more consistent. Users know exactly where they need to go to find the information they need; there’s no confusion. When they find what they need, the data is accurate and secure.
There are numerous benefits to having a single source of truth, including:
- Ongoing accuracy and consistency of data
- Synergy throughout the organization
- Streamlined quality workflows
- Reduction in errors
- Improved compliance
Overcoming Challenges in Implementing EQMS for Document Control
Implementing any new system comes with its challenges. Evolving from more traditional forms of document control to an EQMS is a major change. It’s possible to smooth the transition with the right approach, regardless of the issue.
System Integration
It’s relatively common for businesses to run multiple disparate systems across many platforms, which can cause compatibility problems. That’s also the case when the existing infrastructure is outdated. However, adopting open standards, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing flexible quality management software will help you overcome those issues.
Integration Complexity
The complexity of implementation can increase costs and downtime, on top of the potential for system conflicts. The best way to manage the shift is through a phased approach planned out in detail from the beginning. A robust EQMS can also help manage and reduce any complexity.
Employee Adoption
Employees might be intimidated by the idea of a major change, like implementing a new QMS system. Knowing how much simpler and more streamlined an EQMS solution makes things will help you face the change confidently. Additionally, it’s easy to implement training into the system itself.
How ETQ can meet your document control needs
Integrating an EQMS for document control streamlines workflows makes your business more efficient, provides visibility for accurate reporting, and keeps your data safe and secure. It also opens doors for better collaboration and easy accessibility, making regulatory compliance easier and more accurate.
To learn more about ETQ’s Reliance EQMS and how it can meet your document control and security needs, visit the website.
Leveraging EQMS for Enhanced Document Control and Security first appeared on Web and IT News.