Recordkeeping and storage has been basically the same for many years.  Record the data/information needed then file the document in a file cabinet for required number of years.  The document then sits in the cabinet for years with the chance of it being viewed again very slim.  In the off-chance that a document needs to be retrieved the time spent looking for it is often much more costly than the actual value of the information on the document retrieved.

As the Food Safety Modernization Act moves forward, the ease of records documentation and storage is going to become more critical.  A recent ruling found that the FDA will be allowed to request additional information, documentation and records if they feel the other processes are affected in a similar manner as the concern they are originally investigating.  This puts pressure on organizations to be able to produce records easily.

One way to do this is with an online data management tool.  Inspections, audits and observations are on record that are often kept stored in their paper-form in rows upon rows of file cabinets.  The implementation of an automated tool, such as inspectiTRAC, can reduce the file storage requirements, improved responsiveness to data, and allow for easier record keeping.  Just imagine an easy way to get information to those who need it easily and efficiently, without having to dig through a file cabinet.

How else are you ensuring you can retrieve vital documentation/records easily and efficiently?