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Document Control for Life Science Companies

Document Control in SimplerQMS helps Life Science companies manage controlled documents with structured workflows that support regulatory requirements.

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Explore Document Control in SimplerQMS

Disconnected systems, manual processes, and outdated documents put compliance at risk.

See how SimplerQMS centralizes document control, streamlines workflows, and ensures only current, approved versions are in use in this guided product tour.

What You Can Achieve with SimplerQMS

Built by life science experts to simplify document control while maintaining compliance and traceability.

“One of the positive outcomes for our organization and operational efficiency is that the document control team works much more effectively since we have implemented SimplerQMS.”

René Rousseau, Senior Manager of Quality Affairs, Basic Pharma

René Rousseau

Senior Manager of Quality Affairs, Basic Pharma

Improved Traceability and Automation

Centralize document control and replace manual routing with automated workflows. Improve traceability and reduce manual work.

Confident Compliance

Designed to support alignment with key regulations and standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485, and EU GMP Annex 11. Helps maintain audit-ready documentation.

Data-Driven Decisions with Built-In Analytics

Monitor document activity, compliance metrics, and operational KPIs in one place. Make more informed decisions with clearer visibility.

Faster Implementation with Included Support

Go live in 6–8 weeks with structured implementation, training, and 24/7 support. Reduce disruption and support faster adoption.

How Different Roles Benefit from Document Control in SimplerQMS

Life science teams use SimplerQMS to support quality, regulatory, and operational responsibilities.

Quality Assurance

Controlled Document Lifecycle Management
Manage document creation, review, approval, release, and retirement in a structured workflow.

Audit Trails and Version Control
Track changes with traceability aligned with key life science requirements.

Periodic Review and Document Status Control
Schedule reviews, track expiration dates, and follow up on overdue reviews in a simpler way.

Quality Assurance Team

Regulatory Affairs

Centralized, Audit-Ready Document Repository
Access approved and controlled documents in one system.

Traceability Across Documents and Processes
Link quality documents to relevant training, changes, and CAPAs.

Controlled Access and Approved Document States
Ensure only current, approved documents are used, supporting inspection readiness.

Regulatory Affairs Team

Research and Development (R&D)

Work With Familiar Tools
Use Microsoft Word and Excel to create and update documents without complex setup.

Version Control and Change Tracking
Maintain a clear version history during development to support traceable documentation.

Integration With Change Control
Keep documentation aligned with controlled workflows as you move toward commercialization.

Research and Development Team

Manufacturing and Operations

Minimize the Risk of Outdated Instructions
Ensure teams use the current approved documents at the point of use.

Link Documents to Training Rules
Connect SOPs to training rules so teams are trained on the right procedures.

Simplified Document Access and Search
Quickly find relevant procedures without navigating complex folder structures.

Manufacturing and Operations Team

Management and Executives

Visibility Into Document Status and Workflows
Track document progress, approvals, compliance, and KPIs.

Reduced Operational Overhead
Reduce fragmented processes and redundant work with streamlined workflows.

Use a Validated System With Faster Implementation
Reduce validation burden and accelerate time to value.

Management and Executive Team

How Life Science Teams Use Document Control in Practice

Life Science organizations rely on SimplerQMS to manage document control processes efficiently while ensuring compliance, traceability, and audit readiness.

Maintain Controlled SOP Across Quality Processes

Route SOPs through controlled workflows with electronic signatures for secure, compliant approvals.

Ensure only effective versions are accessible to prevent outdated SOPs from being used.

Link documents to training rules and assign training efficiently.

Maintain audit trails of changes and approvals to track changes and review history.

SimplerQMS helps teams maintain consistent SOP control, support audit readiness, and reduce manual coordination across teams.

Control Documents Across Quality and Manufacturing

Link documents to quality processes such as change control and CAPA for full traceability.

Standardize documentation using templates to reduce errors and improve efficiency.

Track document versions and approval history to maintain a clear, auditable record.

Provide centralized access to controlled documentation for easy use and collaboration across teams.

SimplerQMS helps teams maintain controlled documentation across the product lifecycle while supporting key Life Science requirements.

Prepare for Audits with Confidence

Retrieve approved and effective documents quickly from one centralized system.

Maintain audit trails of document changes, approvals, and version history.

Link documents to training records to show staff qualification on current procedures.

Manage controlled document lifecycle states, from draft to obsolete.

SimplerQMS helps teams stay audit-ready with complete, traceable documentation and easier access to records during inspections.

Maintain Controlled Documentation Across Projects

Control document access by role, project, or team, ensuring the right people see the right documents.

Standardize documentation using templates and workflows to maintain consistency across projects.

Maintain version control and document relationships to track changes across related documents.

Provide centralized access to approved documents across projects, supporting collaboration and audit readiness.

SimplerQMS helps organizations maintain consistent, controlled documentation across multiple projects while supporting compliance.

How SimplerQMS Supports These Use Cases

Explore the key capabilities in SimplerQMS that support document control and help Life Science teams manage this process in a structured and controlled way.

Automated Workflows

Guide documents through draft, review, approval, and effective stages with less manual follow-up.

Automated Workflows

Electronic Signatures

Capture traceable approvals with electronic signatures designed to align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Learn about electronic signatures
Electronic Signatures

Generate Summary (AI-Powered)

Generate change summaries automatically to support faster review and more consistent documentation.

Generate Summary (AI-Powered)

Version Control and Document History

Help teams work from the latest approved document with clear version history and traceability.

Version Control & Document History

Role-Based Access Control

Control who can view, edit, review, or approve documents based on role.

Role-Based Access Control

Document Properties and Classification

Classify documents by type, process, owner, and effective date for better control and searchability.

Document Properties & Classification

Microsoft Office Integration

Draft and edit documents in Microsoft Word while keeping document control in SimplerQMS.

Microsoft Office Integration

Search, Filtering, and Easy Navigation

Find controlled documents faster using search, filters, and document properties.

Search, Filtering, and Easy Navigation

Document Control is Built into an Integrated eQMS

Document Control in SimplerQMS is part of an integrated eQMS for Life Science companies. It connects documents with related quality processes to support consistency, visibility, and compliance.

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More Than Just Document Control

Beyond document control, SimplerQMS supports a wide range of interconnected quality processes within a fully integrated eQMS.

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Training Management

Automate and manage training activities to support staff competence and maintain controlled training records.

Change Control icon

Change Management

Streamline change control processes from request submission through review, approval, and implementation.

Deviation Management Icon

Deviation Management

Record, investigate, and document deviations to support timely resolution and compliance.

Capa management icon

CAPA Management

Identify and address quality issues, implement corrective and preventive actions, and reduce recurrence risk.

Complaints Management Icon

Complaint Management

Log and manage customer complaints to support investigation, traceability, and reporting requirements.

Audit Management Icon

Audit Management

Plan, conduct, and document audits to support inspection readiness and timely follow-up.

Risk Management Icon

Risk Management

Identify, assess, and document risks to support mitigation and protect quality and compliance.

Equipment Management Icon

Equipment Management

Track and maintain equipment to support accuracy, availability, and compliance.

Supplier Management Icon

Supplier Management

Qualify and monitor suppliers to maintain oversight, traceability, and regulatory compliance.

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Electronic Batch Records

Digitally manage batch record documentation to improve traceability and support GMP compliance.

Supporting Compliance with Life Science Requirements

SimplerQMS enables organizations to implement document control processes aligned with key Life Science requirements by helping organizations maintain controlled processes, traceability, and documented oversight across the document lifecycle.

ISO 13485:2016

SimplerQMS A/S is certified to ISO 13485:2016, and the SimplerQMS software is designed to support and align with the requirements of the ISO 13485 quality management system.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022

SimplerQMS A/S is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and implements information security controls aligned with the standard across its organization and QMS software platform.

FDA 21 CFR Part 11

SimplerQMS complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

FDA 21 CFR Part 820

SimplerQMS supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 820.

FDA 21 CFR Part 211

SimplerQMS supports GMP requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 211.

FDA 21 CFR Part 212

SimplerQMS supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 212.

FDA 21 CFR Part 4

SimplerQMS support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 4.

FDA Data Integrity

SimplerQMS supports FDA Data Integrity Guidance (FDA-2018-D-3984) principles.

CLIA

SimplerQMS supports adherence to CLIA.

EudraLex Volume 4 GMP

SimplerQMS supports compliance with EudraLex Volume 4 GMP (Part 1 – Medicinal Products).

EudraLex GMP Annex 11

SimplerQMS supports compliance with EudraLex GMP Annex 11: Computerized Systems, Annex 16 QP certification for batch release, and Annex 19 reference/retention samples.

EU MDR

SimplerQMS supports compliance with EU MDR.

EU IVDR

SimplerQMS supports compliance with EU IVDR.

UK MDR

SimplerQMS empowers life science organizations to meet UK MDR requirements.

ISO 14971:2019

SimplerQMS facilitates adherence to ISO 14971:2019.

IEC 60601

SimplerQMS supports compliance with IEC 60601.

IEC 62304

SimplerQMS supports alignment with IEC 62304.

ISO 1518:2022

SimplerQMS provides functionality aligned with ISO 1518:2022.

ISO 16085:2021

SimplerQMS supports compliance with ISO 16085:2021.

ICH Q10

SimplerQMS aligns with pharmaceutical quality systems requirements per ICH Q10.

ICH Q9

SimplerQMS supports risk management per ICH Q9.

ICH Q8

SimplerQMS supports compliance per ICH Q8.

PIC/S GMP

SimplerQMS supports compliance with PIC/S GMP (Part 1 – Medicinal Products).

ISPE GAMP 5

SimplerQMS meets ISPE GAMP 5 guidelines, including Annex D1, Section 3 and Annex M3.

ISO 9001:2015

SimplerQMS supports compliance with ISO 9001:2015.

ISO 90003:2018

SimplerQMS applies ISO 90003:2018 best practices.

ISO/IEC 27002:2022

SimplerQMS follows ISO/IEC 27002:2022 guidance.

GDPR

SimplerQMS supports alignment with GDPR (EU).

HIPAA

SimplerQMS supports alignment with HIPAA (US).

Hear From Our Happy Customers

Explore real-world case studies and customer reviews that show how Life Science teams use SimplerQMS.

Explore Document Control Resources

Explore practical insights and guidance on document control in regulated life science environments.

Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS)

Blagica Ingilizovska

Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS)

Document Control

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Blagica Ingilizovska

SOPs in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Definition, Types, Format, Guidelines, and Management

Document ControlPharmaceutical

Man Next to a Document Folder

Desiree Tarranco

Medical Device Document Control: Definition, Process, and Requirements

Document ControlMedical Devices

Illustration of a Woman Holding Documents

Desiree Tarranco

Pharmaceutical Document Management: Definition, Requirements, and Software

Document ControlPharmaceutical

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Document Control

Find answers to common questions about document control and its role in life science quality management.

What Is Document Control?

Document control is the process of creating, reviewing, approving, distributing, updating, and retiring controlled documents such as SOPs, policies, and work instructions. In Life Science environments, document control helps ensure that only approved and current documents are used and that changes are traceable.

Why Is Document Control Important for Life Science Companies?

Document control supports consistency, traceability, and oversight across quality processes. It plays a key role in audit readiness and helps reduce risks related to outdated, incomplete, or uncontrolled documentation.

How Is Document Control Supported in SimplerQMS?

SimplerQMS supports document control through structured workflows, defined document properties, version control, and controlled lifecycle states. Documents move through draft, review, approval, effective, update, and retirement in a system-supported way.

Can SimplerQMS Support Electronic Signatures for Document Approval?

Yes, SimplerQMS supports electronic signatures for document approvals as part of the document control process. Approval actions are recorded with user credentials and timestamps to support traceability.

How Does SimplerQMS Help With Version Control and Traceability?

SimplerQMS maintains document version history by separating working copies from effective versions. Each update follows a controlled process, helping teams track what changed, when it changed, and who approved it.

How Does Document Control Connect to Other Quality Processes in SimplerQMS?

Document control in SimplerQMS is supported within an integrated eQMS. Controlled documents can be linked to related processes such as training, change activities, or audits, helping maintain continuity and visibility across the quality system.

See SimplerQMS in Action

See how SimplerQMS supports document control and other interconnected quality processes in a single, integrated eQMS.

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