Electronic Forms for Work Instructions and Data Collection
Paper-based data collection method has helped companies immensely. Sadly, it cannot keep up with the technological advancement pace, so it has to be substituted with electronic forms.
Let’s discuss how electronic forms are changing the industry and the benefits of using electronic forms for work instructions, workflows, and data collection in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech, medical device and cell & gene industries.
What is an Electronic Form?
An electronic form, otherwise known as an eForm, is a digital form that collects and stores data. Simply put, it is the digital version of a paper form.
Even though these two forms can perform the same functions, the digital version is more cost-effective and efficient than paper forms. An eForm allows for electronic data entry and real-time data collection, electronic signatures, process driven sequences, data analysis, and data sharing processes.
Benefits of Electronic Forms for Work Instructions and Data Collection
Using mobile-based or web-based electronic forms for work instructions and data collection holds numerous benefits. Compared to paper forms, they take the upper hand. This section will discuss the top 7 advantages of using electronic forms for data collection in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and cell & gene industries.
1. Right-First-Time Workflow Execution
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies can use eForms to manage electronic workflows from the kickoff stage. Electronic forms make it straightforward for users across the facility to enter data and record signatures.
Besides, it will help them interact effectively and digitally with other team members. Electronic forms improve your workflow and activity completion for by reducing confusion, improving the experience, and decreasing execution errors.
2. Improved Operator Efficiency
Another eForm solution for pharma is improved operator efficiency. Electronic forms help pharma operators use their production time efficiently during their duty shifts.
eForms enable real-time data collection about pharmaceutical processes. As a result, it improves an operator’s productivity level. Also, operators can receive instant work instructions through electronic forms when it is time to complete a task.
3. Reduced Environmental Impact
Electronic workflows reduce the adverse effects that paper production poses on the environment. For instance, turning trees into reams of paper releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into the ecosystem. This leads to air pollution. Consequently, this puts people’s health at risk. Digital solutions eliminate the need for paper consumption, by switching to mobile alternative.
4. Data Analytics, Review, and Tracking Accessibility
As long as there are no set restrictions, everyone within the pharmaceutical, biotech and cell & gene industries can access data for analytics, review, and tracking on their devices with selected tools.
eForms let you analyze received data without complicating issues. You get to see the data received and the metrics and, in the end, draw meaningful conclusions from them. This conclusion helps you to make an informed decision about pharmaceutical workflows.
In the data review process, your team members or team leads can assemble to verify data correctness. You can also point out which work instructions employees did not follow.
Digital forms provide you with the opportunity to track data. This is done by identifying key data for collection and analyzing them to make strategic decisions.
5. Paper Elimination
Since electronic forms serve as reliable alternatives, your company can eliminate papers for record-keeping. Switching from paper to digital forms aids GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).
It is often said that “if it’s not written down, then it didn’t happen!” So, according to GMP regulations, pharma must follow GDP (Good Documentation Practice).
GDP require accurate and on-point preparation, recording, and storing of data. eForms are a great way to eliminate this pitfall by preventing data entry errors that manual data entry attracts.This can be for all kinds of paper including forms, work instructions, checklists, and records.
6. Audit-Ready Environment
Electronic workflows keep your pharmaceutical company in compliance with federal regulations. The US FDA 21 CFR Part 11 is the primary regulation regarding maintaining an audit trail and managing electronic signatures in the life sciences. Therefore, when inspection officers show up for an audit, you can rest assured to be in compliance.
7. Enhanced Compliance and Reduced GxP Errors and Observations
Good practice (GxP) is highly valued in pharma, biotech, and cell & gene industries. Hence, your company must comply with its guidelines. A simple way to do this is to use electronic forms.
Electronic forms, especially automated activities, keep you on track by letting you collect and input crucial data on work instructions. This way, your company will reduce GxP errors and meet all compliance requirements.
OpsTrakker eForms take manual activities mobile
Workflows do not have to be manual anymore, as electronic forms can aid pharmaceutical procedures. With OpsTrakker eForms, you can break ground and check all compliance boxes. OpsTrakker is audit trail ready and is compliant with all federal regulations for electronic signatures and records. This means that it is compliant with US FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11.
OpsTrakker replaces all paper forms, records, checklists, and more with a mobile solution. Now, you can execute your daily room cleanings or audits from an iPad, as opposed to paper and pen. OpsTrakker was specifically designed for GMP environments, including the pharmaceutical, life sciences, biotechnology, cell & gene, and medical device industries. This is what we aim to help you achieve with OpsTrakker. Contact us today to eliminate paper and errors in your manufacturing operations.