Electronic Batch Record (EBR) 

An electronic batch record is a technology that eliminates the need for using paper forms, which makes it possible to manufacture products without paper documentation. It processes data from many databases to obtain the information about the manufacturing process of the batch. Furthermore, an EBR uses a business process engine for determining how exactly this process should occur. Information about actions that need to be taken is kept in a user interface used for recording the results of operations performed by workers. 

An EBR provides the context of production to any process that requires the implementation of certain steps. It indicates the people needed for accomplishing the tasks in terms of personnel, and it shows the location for completing the process and the equipment and materials used. 

By utilizing an EBR system in conjunction with machines and instrumentation, it becomes easier to automatically collect data from production processes, removing the need for recording data on paper. Lab operators will be using a variety of devices and instruments, some of which generate relevant process data like sensor data or QC results. An EBR system can be connected with these systems so that data collection can be automated and errors can be avoided.  

Benefits of electronic batch records 

Electronic batch records can save resources, particularly time spent on routine tasks, and enhance efficiency by automating the supervision of batch records. 

Improve consistency and accuracy: People tend to have bad days or lose their concentration or suffer from sleep deprivation that negatively affects what is written on paper. An electronic batch record system will automatically check user inputs and find errors, which reduces the chances of receiving wrong or incomplete data. 

Boost productivity: EBR eliminates the errors associated with manual data entry while enabling the company to deploy human labor in other areas where creative decision-making is needed. A perfect illustration of this is the fact that saved employee hours can be spent on the development of SOPs.  

Save resources with review by exception: EBR eliminates unnecessary review, boosting efficiency and time savings. The application this system uses is review by exception, which suggests that certain areas of the document that do not comply with the established guidelines will be highlighted for the reviewer. Thus, the only thing that a batch record reviewer will do is deal with highlighted words and expressions.  

Standardize processes: The EBR system will allow you to distribute the same batch records to all workers, allowing you to be sure that all employees have the same information, although some may work in different plants. By standardizing the workflow, you will lower the chance of errors that happen due to outdated information being used by workers.    

Make data-driven decisions: Paper records do not provide easy and unified access to information. If a representative of the management team wants to use the information he has, it may take significant time to turn this information into a form that can be applied. For this reason, the companies may sometimes make decisions based on their intuition rather than data.