Welcome to the AWTC CMS
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Accreditation standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, GLP, and GMP require laboratories to demonstrate that staff are always working from the correct and approved information. During an audit, a laboratory must be able to show that documents were properly reviewed, approved before use, kept up to date, and that previous versions were controlled and not used accidentally. Weak document control is one of the most common causes of audit findings. In practice, document management means that each document has a clear identity and version, and that only one version is considered current at any given time. When a document is changed, the change follows a formal review and approval process rather than being edited informally. Older versions are retained for traceability, but are clearly marked as superseded so they cannot be used in daily work. A compliant system also keeps an audit trail. This is an automatic record of who created a document, who modified it, who reviewed and approved it, and when each of these actions took place. This audit trail provides accountability and allows auditors and management to understand the history of a document without relying on personal memory or email trails. |
Access to documents is controlled so that only authorised users can make changes, while most staff can only view approved documents. This protects the integrity of the quality system and ensures consistent working practices across the laboratory. While manual systems such as binders, shared folders, or email can work at a small scale, they are difficult to maintain and audit. Digital document management systems, often integrated with a LIMS or QMS, enforce version control, approvals, access control, and audit trails automatically. This reduces risk, saves time, and makes audits significantly easier. For a certified laboratory, effective document management supports consistent results, regulatory compliance, and confidence in the laboratory’s work. A simple, well-controlled system helps staff do the right thing every day and keeps the laboratory audit-ready at all times. |
Document management is the controlled way a laboratory creates, approves, uses, updates, and stores its documents. For a certified laboratory, this is a core part of the quality system, not just administration or filing. Documents include standard operating procedures, test methods, quality policies, forms, records, training material, and validation or calibration documents.