Download Release Notes in PDF Format
Effective Date: 2023-10-04
1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose of the Document
This document describes the differences between SimplerQMS 3.0 and SimplerQMS 3.1. It serves as a comprehensive reference to help users understand the changes and improvements introduced in the latest software update.
1.2. Objectives for SimplerQMS 3.1 based on customer feedback
SimplerQMS 3.1 is largely shaped by the invaluable feedback from our users. We’ve listened and acted upon your input to make meaningful changes. Reference numbers (SQ numbers) are included to ensure transparency and keep our users informed about how their feedback has directly influenced the enhancements and updates in this release.
The changes are divided into major and minor updates of existing functionality from SimplerQMS 3.1.
There are no prerequisites in SimplerQMS 3.1 to be met or managed by customers, prior to roll-out of SimplerQMS 3.1.
2. Summary of 3.1 release
2.1. Major New Features
| Category | Description |
| Non-Quality Files | New document Class The File class is tailored for non-quality related documentation, providing a seamless solution for efficient organization and management of your files. Optional metadata enables you to organize your files with ease and find them in view structures together with your quality documentation, creating more transparency between departments. Filed records maintain the original file name and format without PDF conversion. New Work Instruction. (SQ-260, SQ-370) |
| Home Dashboard | Personalized metrics right on the front page A revamped home dashboard, putting personalized metrics at your fingertips. Stay on top of pending training, actions and tasks, and effortlessly manage documents assigned for your review and approval, all from one convenient hub. Updated Work Instruction. (SQ-461) |
| Visual Workflows | Gain a clear, visual representation of workflows Easily gain a clear, intuitive representation of our workflows, identify the next and previous steps, and access valuable additional information through convenient links to the Knowledge Base. Updated Work Instruction. (SQ-198, SQ-426) |
| Customer Audit | Manage customer audits Enhancing your audit management capabilities within SimplerQMS, customer audits receive the same comprehensive feature set as other audit classes. This change is aimed at simplifying your audit management and ensuring that you can maintain detailed records of your customer-related audits. Updated Workflow. (SQ-247) |
| Permission Delegation | Delegate Responsibility during Extended Leave or Departure You can now delegate Responsible Person and Author permissions from one user to another, whether on a permanent basis or until a specified expiry date. Documents on classified document types are respected by this feature. Updated Work Instruction. (SQ-61, SQ-403) |
2.2. Major Improvements
| Category | Description |
| Supplier Audit flow | Added workflow for documentation Supplier audits feature has an added workflow path for collecting requested documentation during the audit. This provides an alternative to the supplier issue/CAPA process or confirming no findings during the audit. Updated Workflow. (SQ-469) |
| Recorded Issues | Initial review before Issue Handling All recorded issues now allow the option of an initial review process before being sent for Issue Handler Assessment, allowing more stakeholders to provide data and resolution on issues raised. Updated Workflow and Updated Work Instruction. (SQ-447) |
| Equipment Supplier Tasks & Actions | Reassign to Responsible Person(s) In editable states for equipment, suppliers, actions, or tasks the existing Responsible Person (RP) has the ability to define new Responsible Person(s) in the metadata. This feature allows for a smooth transition of responsibility, refreshing the metadata and ensuring that these objects are assigned to the newly defined individuals. Updated Work Instruction. (SQ-504) |
| Doc Control Quiz | Reassign to New Author(s) In the states of New Draft and Await Updates the “Reassign to New Author(s)” state transition is applied for Templates, Change Requests, CAPAs, Recorded Issues and Collections. This reassignment can be carried out by either the Responsible Person or the Process Manager. Clicking the state transition refreshes the document’s metadata and ensures that the document is assigned to the newly defined authors. Updated Work Instruction. (SQ-485) |
| CAPA | View all CAPA Actions in a property A new metadata property designed to collect and consolidate all CAPA-related actions on the CAPA metadata card, making it easy to assess if all necessary actions are related. (SQ-494) Justification to reschedule CAPA Effectiveness A mandatory justification property is implemented when rescheduling CAPA Effectiveness Assessments. The added metadata property ensures that important details surrounding the rescheduling decision are captured and documented. (SQ-488) |
| Product | Product Lot expiry date Product lots now include optional expiration date and transition to an “expired” state on the defined date. Product Managers can choose to archive expired lots so that these archived lots no longer can be used as a reference for documentation. Expired lots are assigned to Product Managers, who will have the authority to archive the expired lots once all related documentation is completed. (SQ-489) |
| Controlled Printing | Available on old documents and templates If Controlled Printing is enabled, it now applies to all documents and templates, including historical ones created before the feature was turned on. While overlays are not applied to these pre-existing records, you can still utilize Controlled Printing to create controlled print items as needed. (SQ-500, SQ-502) |
2.3. Minor Updates
| Category | Description |
| UI Improvements | Icon unification We’ve made an important enhancement to the visual consistency of our platform. Icons have been unified across different workflow states and object creator buttons. With consistent icons, navigating through workflow states and creating objects becomes more straightforward, reducing the learning curve and ensuring a seamless user experience for all our users. (SQ-169) |
| Periodic Task | New property for Affected Processes Processes can now be related to periodic tasks. (SQ-509) |
| Audit | Processes available on all audit classes Regulatory Inspections and Supplier Audits now have a metadata field for Affected Processes to capture the audit scope. (SQ-97) |
| General | Optimised Built-in views Views related to the Home Dashboard have been enhanced to provide comprehensive data. All Documents view includes the File class so quality and non-quality records can be viewed together seamlessly. Enhanced Person view includes columns for delegated employees. |
2.4. Bug Corrections
- SQ-539: Due Date remains filled on docs and templates after update.
Fix: Due Date emptied out at Awaits Updates on Docs and Templates. - SQ-488: CAPA Effectiveness Assessment title captures for learning state.
Fix: State name removed from default title.
3. Feature Deep Dive
3.1. Non-Quality Files – File Class
Introducing Files, that offer a versatile and streamlined approach, suitable for various document types that are not considered a quality record such as sales documents, financial reports, research notes, emails, and more.
You can simply drag and drop files for quick storage with a minimum requirement of added metadata. Alternatively, you can make use of the structured guidance of templates to easily draft documents, ensuring that every piece of documentation within your organization starts from a quality-approved foundation.
With optional metadata, you can maintain the flexibility to organize files within your existing view structures. Additionally, you have the option to add relations, ensuring that you can track and connect files as needed to meet your specific organizational requirements.
Editable and deletable toggles grant you the freedom to decide whether only the responsible person can delete or an added author can edit the document or if everyone who has access can do it. Access to the files is governed by the standard permission settings defined by the site in addition to project permissions and classified document types. Hence, access permission follows the same principles as for Quality Documents.
Deleted Files can be restored for 90 days when moved to delete state. After 90 days the files are removed from any search or view but any deleted file can be recovered by SimplerQMS A/S support.
As opposed to the Uncontrolled Attachment, where a unique ID is assigned, the document type becomes a part of the title and the attachment turns into a PDF automatically, File titles will only have the short title and no document number or document type added to it. The file format is also kept as the original filed record without PDF conversion per overview table below.
The File class expands capabilities in SimplerQMS by adding a document management solution on top of the management of quality documents and records. The chart below outlines some key differences between the main document management classes.
For more details, please read the work instruction on our knowledge base or write to support@simplerqms.com to get guidance on how to get started.
3.2. Visual Workflows
One of the standout features of this update is the ability to view a graphical representation of your workflow. Instead of sifting through complex lists or trying to decipher textual descriptions, you can now see your workflow laid out in a clear and visual format. This not only makes your processes more accessible but also enhances your overall comprehension of how they work.
With this feature, you can easily identify the next and previous steps within your workflow. This simplifies decision-making and allows you to anticipate what actions are needed to keep your processes running smoothly. It’s like having a roadmap right at your fingertips.
You can access additional information through links to the knowledge base. This means that if you ever need more details or context about a particular step or aspect of your workflow, it’s just a click away, promoting informed decision-making.
This feature is currently only available on the Windows Client.
3.3. Home Dashboard
A significant upgrade to the Simpler QMS start screen, designed to enhance your user experience and provide valuable insights right at your fingertips. Our revamped start screen now features a personalized dashboard that puts essential metrics front and center, making it easier than ever for you to stay on top of your tasks and responsibilities.
You don’t need to navigate through layers of menus or sift through lengthy lists. A simple click on any tile takes you directly to a corresponding view, so you can address pending items with ease. It’s all about making your workflow smoother and more efficient.
With real-time updates, you can see the latest assignments that require your attention. Your dashboard keeps you in the loop, allowing you to respond promptly to new tasks and responsibilities as they arise.
This feature is currently only available on the Windows Client.
4. Materials
As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver improvements, we have developed updated versions of relevant procedures and templates that can be integrated into your QMS following the latest release. Our aim is to ensure that these resources remain current and aligned with the most recent advancements.
- Download the latest version of our Document Control SOP containing information on the new File class.
- Download the updated Access Request Template with improvements considering the new permission delegation options.