Applying quality systems to computerised stock management systems

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of applying quality systems to an established computerised stock management system of a local pharmaceutical wholesale dealer. METHOD: An established computerised stock management system was analysed to determine the compliance of recorded data with actual stock. A risk assessment of all the steps for each parameter was carried out and a risk management plan was established as necessary following risk evaluation. After a one-year period, the same parameters were re-evaluated using the same methodology and compared with baseline. KEY FINDINGS: All parameters showed an improvement from baseline at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The application of quality systems to computerised stock management systems should be a mandatory requirement to ensure data reliability in line with Good Distribution Practice (GDP)1 ensuring batch traceability and reconciliation throughout the storage, distribution and recall procedures and other GDP-related activities.