When it comes to GCP audits and inspections, low-hanging fruit says a lot about the tree. Welcome to the mind of an auditor/inspector. I’m going to share the thought process auditors and inspectors commonly use while reviewing job descriptions, CVs, and organizational (org) charts. Ensuring these documents are in tip-top shape is a no-brainer given the high odds they will be requested and reviewed. While establishing excellent processes for SOP and training documentation and maintenance can be complex, updating job descriptions, CVs, and org charts is perhaps one of the simplest processes within the quality system.
Developing storyboards for regulatory inspection readiness and facilitation is a growing trend, yet the tool is shrouded in mystery for many pharma industry professionals. Storyboarding is a powerful approach for boiling down your company’s unique drug development journey into compartmentalized, positive short stories or messages that clarify pivotal points in time or scenarios. They provide a framework for creating clear messaging that can be consistently communicated by the inspection team. This is particularly needed for situations when opportunities for company growth, mitigation of existing gaps, and/or other unique compliance scenarios were self-identified and action was taken to ensure compliance and enable forward movement. They ultimately serve to remove confusion, contradiction, and on-the-spot decision-making when addressing inspection questions about the most difficult, convoluted aspects of your product’s drug development story. All companies have those; you are not alone.