GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE (GMP) – WHAT IT IS, WHAT IT COVERS AND WHAT THE BENEFIT ARE

In this article, we are going to explore GMP (good manufacturing practice), and what benefits it can bring to your business. As with any industry, in order to experience the highest levels of success, one must adopt the best practices in everything that you do, whether it be manufacturing, customer service, or hospitality. By gaining a thorough understanding of these ‘good practices’, you can optimize your business to function at peak performance, increase profits, and bolster your brand reputation. Let’s get stuck in!

What is GMP?

So, what is GMP? Well, as the name suggests, good manufacturing practice refers to the industry standards or ‘best practices’ that lead to the production and exportation of safe, high-quality products.

For any entrepreneur, when opening a factory business, one must brush up on and understand the rules and regulations set out by the relevant local and international authorities, in order to comply with and maintain the best possible practices.

GMP in particular refers to the standards that relate to F&B products (food and beverage), food supplements, cosmetics, and drugs/pharmaceuticals.

By adhering to the best practices and certified GMP standards, you ensure that the products that come out of your factory are safe, suitable for sale, and of the highest quality.

Again, we’re going to delve deeper into GMP so that you can gain a thorough understanding of the expectations, and how adhering to good manufacturing practices can greatly benefit your business.

• GMP is a quality system that is used to control and promote hygienic management processes
• Training personnel to adhere to and uphold these standards
• Optimizing storage – ensuring safe and hygiene handling of various materials
• Eliminating the risks that may result in products becoming harmful and unsafe for consumers

GMP is a fundamental requirement when it comes to the production of products that are intended for consumption by the general public.

What are the different types of GMP?

GMP standards is divided into two main categories:

• General hygiene (General GMP) – a guideline that applies to all food types, ensuring safe and hygienic production and handling of consumables
• Product specific (Specific GMP) – a requirement (in addition to general GMP) that applies to the specific manufactural product in question. For example, topical lotions will have different specific GMP requirements to consumable foods

What areas does GMP cover?

GMP is a general term that covers a wide range of different areas in a factory and production setting. The ultimate goal of GMP is to ensure that no harmful chemicals or microorganisms contaminate the manufactured consumable products. This is done by managing every aspect of a factory, from the structure itself, through to the storage of raw materials for production.

• Factory / production facility location
• The building / structure itself
• Machines, tools, and all necessary equipment
• Control, handling, and storage of raw materials
• Packing / quality control
• Logistics – transportation of the consumer product
• Quality inspection and recording data
• Sanitation and hygiene management systems

What are the benefits of GMP?

Again, GMP’s primary focus is or the healthy, safety, and satisfaction of the end-consumer. However, there are ways in which it can benefit your business and employees as well.

Good manufacturing practice is a fundamental requirement that when adhered to strictly and without deviation, can bring a wide variety of advantages for all.

Here are the ten main benefits of quality GMP:

1.  Your consumers ultimately receive products that are high quality, safe, and suitable for consumption
2.  GMP provides a clear production guideline ensuring that your products meet the expected standards of quality
3.  Reduce the number of errors or deviations that result in non-standard products (consistency is vital for maintaining your brand reputation)
4.  Creating a safe and convenient environment for your employees while working
5.  Encourage a positive attitude among your employees (it is paramount that they believe in and respect the value of GMP)
6.  Establishing a simple and standardized system for tracking data and information (GMP makes these processes easier, saving valuable time)
7.  Bolster management, supervision, and assessment flexibility
8.  Prevention of defects presenting themselves in the production process and eliminate any risk of repeat issues
9.  Improves the overall quality of food production across the board (and reduces production costs)
10.  Promotes a healthy control system enabling your facility to maintain the highest cleanliness and sanitation standards

Is GMP really that important?

Is GMP really that important? What’s all the fuss about? The short answer is yes. In fact, GMP is a globally recognized standard and quality assurance system. It is unquestionably reliable and effective as it covers all aspects of the production process.

• GMP is a vital standard that all factories must adhere to in order to ensure the safe and consistent production of consumables that will not harm the general public
• As it is globally recognized, consumers and foodies all over the world trust and respect it

In a nutshell, if you wish to succeed as a factory owner today, complying with GMP is an essentiality. For the safest, most hygienic, and efficient establishment; and the consistent production of superior quality products that meet international standards, GMP is indeed of paramount importance.

Thailand GMP Enforcement

Thailand’s FDA (food and drug administration), adopted the GMP standards as law on July 24th, 2001. It was prescribed in a notification from the Ministry of Public Health (No. 193) B.E. 2543, regarding the production methods, tools, and equipment in production, including storage. This change in policy was to ensure that Thailand’s factories would deliver premium quality products based on legal regulations and international standards, with the highest safety and sanitation in mind.

Bear GMP Standards in mind when selecting a factory lease or warehouse rental

If you are looking for a new factory or warehouse rental service, then you should bear GMP in mind when doing so. In fact, GMP should be at the forefront of your mind as it will have a direct influence on the location of your factory/warehouse, the build quality of the structure itself (functional planning etc.), and the means in which you can store goods and transport finished products to your consumers.

Finding the perfect location, coupled with quality facilities that meet and adhered to international GMP standards is an essentiality if you wish to not only succeed with your new venture, but thrive.

Frasers Property Industrial Thailand set the highest standards

• World-class factory / warehouse rentals
• Facilities that meet the highest GMP standards (designed and constructed with every consideration in mind)
• Only the most strategic locations across the country (allowing ease of access and streamlined logistical solutions)
• Fully functional facilities (efficient electrical, plumbing, and drainage systems)
• A well-optimized road system within facility grounds for ease of transportation between units
• State-of-the-art security systems (highly-trained security guards and CCTV systems)
• Strong and stable build-quality (properly planned in accordance with intended job duties)
• Full support, installation, and maintenance of the necessary machinery and equipment (so that you can begin production immediately)
• Full consultation services regarding government documentation, licensing, and insurance, etc
• On-going support with renovations and installations by a highly professional team of specialized technicians

If you like the sound of the above, then please do not hesitate to contact us today. We have a wide variety of quality industrial real estate available for your convenience.