Standard Operating Procedure for Documentation of Machine Operations in Cream Production
Department | Creams |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/CRM/119/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/CRM/119/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 5 |
Issue Date | 21/01/2026 |
Effective Date | 26/01/2026 |
Review Date | 21/01/2027 |
1. Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to define the procedure for documenting machine operations during cream production. Proper documentation ensures compliance with GMP standards, facilitates traceability, and enables quick identification of any deviations or issues during production.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all machines used in the cream production process, including homogenizers, mixers, filling machines, and other production equipment. It covers the documentation of operational parameters, maintenance activities, and any deviations during production.
3. Responsibilities
- Production Team: Responsible for documenting machine operation parameters, including speed, temperature, and operational time. They are also responsible for reporting any deviations or equipment issues during production.
- Quality Control (QC): Responsible for verifying that machine operation documentation is completed accurately and that it complies with GMP standards.
- Maintenance Team: Responsible for documenting any maintenance or calibration activities performed on production equipment.
4. Accountability
The Production Supervisor is accountable for ensuring that all machine operation parameters are documented correctly. The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all maintenance activities are documented accurately, and the Quality Control Manager is responsible for reviewing and approving documentation.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Operation Documentation
- Before the start of production, verify that all machines are properly calibrated and in good working condition. Check the equipment manual to ensure that the machine is set to the correct parameters for the current production run.
- Document the machine’s ID, the current batch number, and the operator’s name in the Machine Operations Log (Annexure-1).
- Record the set parameters, including the desired temperature, speed, and mixing time, as specified in the product’s manufacturing formula or SOP.
- Ensure that the machine’s safety features (e.g., emergency stop, alarms) are functioning properly and document these checks in the Machine Safety Check Log (Annexure-2).
5.2 In-Process Documentation
- During production, monitor the machine’s performance and record operational parameters at regular intervals. This includes recording the following:
- Mixing speed (RPM)
- Temperature
- Time (e.g., mixing or processing duration)
- Pressure (if applicable)
- Use the Machine Operations Log (Annexure-1) to document the values for each parameter at least every 30 minutes during operation or as per the defined process guidelines.
- If the machine is equipped with automated monitoring systems (e.g., sensors or temperature controllers), ensure that these systems are functioning correctly and that the data is recorded automatically.
- In the case of any deviation from the established parameters, document the deviation in the Deviation Log (Annexure-3) and notify the Production and QC Managers for investigation.
5.3 Post-Operation Documentation
- After the production run is complete, document the final operational parameters in the Machine Operations Log (Annexure-1), including the total operating time and any observed abnormalities.
- Record any maintenance performed on the machine during the shift in the Equipment Maintenance Log (Annexure-4). This includes cleaning, repairs, or adjustments made to the machine during production.
- Ensure that the equipment is properly shut down, cleaned, and stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Document the shutdown process in the Equipment Shutdown Log (Annexure-5).
5.4 Deviation Handling and Corrective Actions
- If any deviations from the specified parameters are observed, stop production immediately and document the issue in the Deviation Log (Annexure-3).
- Investigate the cause of the deviation, which may include malfunctioning equipment, incorrect settings, or operator error.
- Take corrective actions to resolve the deviation, such as adjusting the machine settings, replacing defective parts, or recalibrating equipment.
- Once corrective actions have been taken, document the changes and re-verify that the machine is operating within the specified parameters. Resume production only after ensuring that the issue is fully resolved.
5.5 Documentation Review and Record-Keeping
- All documentation related to machine operations must be reviewed and signed off by the Quality Control team to ensure that it complies with GMP standards.
- Maintain machine operation logs, deviation logs, maintenance records, and shutdown logs for each batch produced. These records should be stored securely and kept accessible for audits and inspections.
- Ensure that records are retained for a minimum of two years or as per regulatory requirements.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices
- QC: Quality Control
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Annexure-1: Machine Operations Log
- Annexure-2: Machine Safety Check Log
- Annexure-3: Deviation Log
- Annexure-4: Equipment Maintenance Log
- Annexure-5: Equipment Shutdown Log
8. References
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidelines – 21 CFR Part 211
- International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- Manufacturer’s Manual for Cream Production Equipment
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Machine Operations Log
Batch Number | Machine ID | Operator | Start Time | End Time | Operational Parameters |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12345 | HM-001 | John Doe | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Speed: 120 RPM, Temp: 25°C |
Annexure-2: Machine Safety Check Log
Machine ID | Safety Feature | Check Date | Pass/Fail | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
HM-001 | Emergency Stop | 21/01/2026 | Pass | All safety features functioning properly |
Annexure-3: Deviation Log
Deviation Date | Batch Number | Deviation Description | Corrective Action Taken | Operator |
---|---|---|---|---|
21/01/2026 | 12345 | Excessive temperature | Adjusted temperature settings | John Doe |
Annexure-4: Equipment Maintenance Log
Equipment ID | Maintenance Date | Maintenance Activity | Operator | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
HM-001 | 21/01/2026 | Lubrication | Jane Smith | Lubricated moving parts |
Annexure-5: Equipment Shutdown Log
Machine ID | Shutdown Date | Reason | Operator | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
HM-001 | 21/01/2026 | End of production | John Doe | No issues during shutdown |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/03/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Creation | QA Head |
01/03/2025 | 2.0 | Format Revision and Updates | Standardization of Document | QA Head |