Document Control: A Simple Guide for Managing Documentation

Theyre supposed to be useful tools, but whether theyre printouts, computer files, flowcharts, or forms, documents can often give more headaches than help. And yet without them, most organizations couldnt function. ISO 9001 and other quality management systems place great emphasis on documents, and for good reason. Documents arent individual, stand-alone elements of the management process. Theyre interrelated, formatted in different media, and controlled by various and distinct functions. Keeping critical information current and in the right hands requires more than just signing off on procedures. Document control is essential, but where should you begin? Inside youll find clear explanations about the document control process as well as practical solutions for creating, organizing, and maintaining documents, including: A discussion of different kinds of documents, including electronic media and QMS requirements Identifying and defining responsibility Understanding the relationship between documents and records Tips for document writers Managing and maintaining documents Issues of accessibility Handling revisions and deviations Writing document control procedures