Glossary

Document Control

What is Document Control?

Document control is a systematic process used in various industries to manage the creation, distribution, review, modification, and archival of documents. The purpose of document control is to ensure that all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to authorized personnel while maintaining their integrity and security. This process involves tracking and managing documents to comply with regulatory, legal, and operational requirements, ensuring consistency, and preventing unauthorized access or changes. Document control is crucial in industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction, and any other sector where maintaining precise and reliable documentation is critical for operational success and compliance.

What are the key features of Document Control?

Here are the key features of document control

  • Document Identification: A unique identifier is assigned to each document, making it easy to track and manage.
  • Document Classification: Documents are categorized based on their type, purpose, and level of control, such as SOPs, protocols, and records.
  • Document Creation: A formal process for creating new documents or revising existing ones, including drafting, reviewing, and approving.
  • Document Approval: A formal approval process, including electronic signatures, to ensure that documents meet regulatory and organizational requirements.
  • Document Retrieval: Easy and efficient retrieval of documents, including archived versions, to support audits, inspections, and investigations.