CAPA Posts

Process-based Versus Records-based Quality Systems – Which is the Key to EQMS Success?

Process-based Versus Records-based Quality Systems – Which is the Key to EQMS Success?

19 May , 2017 No Comments

Joshua Centner, Industry Solutions Consultant, Pilgrim Quality Solutions

As an Industry Solutions Consultant, I interact with clients who are evaluating the features and functions of various Enterprise Quality Management Systems (EQMS). It seems there is one major factor which is overlooked time and time again. It pertains to the overall design of the EQMS, and will impact the long-term value of the solution to an organization. This critical element is whether the EQMS is a records-based system or a process-based system.
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Pharmaceutical Organizations: Are You Ready for the Unexpected?

Pharmaceutical Organizations: Are You Ready for the Unexpected?

17 Feb , 2017 No Comments

Kari Miller, Vice President of Regulatory and Product Management, Pilgrim Quality Solutions

Unforeseen, unanticipated, unpredicted, unexpected. These are frightening words to pharmaceutical quality and compliance professionals because an unexpected event often indicates a costly, risky problem; it means that something is not completely under control.

This, of course, has regulatory implications. One familiar regulatory example is 21 CFR 211.192: “Any unexplained discrepancy…shall be thoroughly investigated…The investigation shall extend to other batches…that may have been associated with the specific failure or discrepancy. A written record of the investigation shall be made and shall include the conclusions and follow-up.”
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Better Together: How Integrated Nonconformance and CAPA Management Help You Avoid FDA 483s

Better Together: How Integrated Nonconformance and CAPA Management Help You Avoid FDA 483s

07 Jul , 2016 No Comments

Roxane Napoli, Marketing Manager, Pilgrim Quality Solutions

It’s an often cited statistic. Inadequate corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes are still the number one reason for Life Sciences FDA 483s. Every day, the FDA issues three to four CAPA-related citations. If you’re trying to avoid FDA 483s and warning letters, your first step is to develop a CAPA process that is consistent and under control. Let’s explore some ways to make your CAPA process better by teaming up key quality processes and tools for maximum impact. (more…)

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Successful Root Cause Analysis

The Do’s and Don’ts of Successful Root Cause Analysis

07 Jul , 2015 No Comments

Roxane Napoli, Marketing Manager, Pilgrim Quality Solutions

We often hear that the CAPA process is the “heartbeat” of the quality system. The changes that emerge from the CAPA process are critical to correcting defects, improving business processes, and meeting customer expectations. When you think more about CAPA, you realize that an effective CAPA process hinges on your team’s ability to understand the true cause of each problem you encounter. With that in mind, here are some tips to help refine your root cause analysis process and keep risky problems from reoccurring. (more…)

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Leverage Your CAPA Process to Build a Culture of Quality (Free E-Book)

Leverage Your CAPA Process to Build a Culture of Quality (Free E-Book)

28 Jan , 2015 No Comments

Roxane Napoli, Marketing Manager, Pilgrim Quality Solutions
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The Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process is at the heart of your quality and compliance system. When properly implemented, CAPA resolves and prevents critical problems and also keeps you in compliance with FDA regulations. But year after year, lack of CAPA procedures and documentation make the list of top FDA 483 observations. The FDA closely monitors the CAPA process, which is why you need to have a handle on it as well. (more…)

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Quality is Everyone’s Job

Quality is Everyone’s Job

26 Mar , 2013 No Comments

Kari Miller, Senior Director of Industry Solutions and Product Management, Pilgrim Quality Solutions

Vision, values, goals and strategy are the guiding principles of a corporation and culture culminates from them. Quality culture refers to the complete awareness, commitment, attitude, and behavior of the organization with respect to quality.  Corporate leadership must effectively communicate and more importantly demonstrate quality as an inherent value of the organization. (more…)

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Time For SaaS?

Time For SaaS?

26 Mar , 2013 No Comments

Michael Reynolds

Outsourced Enterprise Compliance and Quality Management  — application and data management in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS) — is a partnership needed more  today than ever, particularly in the increasingly complex regulatory environment that Pharma, Biotech and Medical Device companies find themselves. (more…)

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CAPA Risk Management and ROI

CAPA Risk Management and ROI

07 Nov , 2012 No Comments

Konyika Nealy, Director of Quality Assurance, Pilgrim Quality Solutions

CAPA systems provide a wealth of information regarding the quality of a product or process.  However, few companies fully leverage the power of this tool to realize its positive impact to the bottom line. For instance, it is commonplace for a CAPA to be initiated for each product quality-related complaint regardless of scope or severity. Over time, the system becomes laden with records, of varying degrees of severity, which are often vetted by issuance order rather than priority. As a result, the organization cannot optimally allocate resources to correct events that have the most impact on the business as a whole. So then, how can a company reclaim efficiency and perhaps even streamline the CAPA process? (more…)

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Managing CAPA Requires a Strong SOP

02 Jul , 2012 No Comments

Mark Crawford

According to Nancy Singer and Mark Lagunowich in their informative MD+DI article entitled “Getting Your CAPA House in Order,” CAPA (Corrective and Preventative Action) remains one of the top FDA 483 citations year after year, due typically to “either inadequate processes or inconsistent adherence to processes,” they write. “This includes failing to define which issues should or should not be elevated to CAPA status, insufficiently documenting the data required by FDA to adequately assess the CAPA’s effectiveness, or relying on outmoded systems to collect and analyze the data and demonstrate that the firm is operating in a state of control.” (more…)

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The Pharmaceutical Industry Still Struggling with CAPA as Part of Overall Quality Management System

26 Oct , 2010 No Comments

One of the biggest challenges for pharmaceutical companies is to complete investigations and actions in a timely manner. In 2009, ICH Q10 adopted by the FDA as an industry guideline, names pharmaceutical Quality Management Systems as a necessity to detect and evaluate non-conformances and take respective corrective and preventative actions. Although it takes time, an efficient CAPA process is an effective tool that can significantly improve quality systems and processes. (more…)

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