Living Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 21

There are three branches of QA at dōTERRA: QA Inspectors, QA Engineers, and Document Control Specialists. QA Inspectors QA Engineers Document Control Since nothing enters or leaves the building without QA approval, you will find a QA Inspector in every process. QA Inspectors inspect every component of every batch. Before an incoming shipment can be moved into our warehouse, our QA Inspectors examine each batch of oil, labels, caps, bottles, boxes, etc. The QA Inspector then labels a raw material or component that passes as approved. QA Inspectors inspect the filling line at the start of every run, perform inspections at set intervals during the run, keep samples of every batch, verify production records, and inspect each lot of finished goods. The samples collected ensure that we have a history of the oil’s appearance, odor, and taste for future reference. This highly technical group has a scientific education and extensive QA experience. We create several hundred document files, totaling thousands of individual documents per week that must be housed and updated in an organized, easily retrievable fashion. Sample document types include: specifications, formulas, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, label approvals, master manufacturing records, audits, investigations, maintenance and cleaning records, and equipment and room use logs. Just as it would not be possible for electricians, framers, and plumbers to build a house without a blueprint, all of the departments from sourcing to the chemists who come together to create, manufacture, and approve a finished oil need a set of “blueprints.” These specifications provide order and predictability to help ensure the desired outcome. Document control gathers all of the required information in one place, obtains approvals, and then releases the specification to all affected departments. Everyone has the same standard when producing, inspecting, and testing the oils. What is QA’s role in CPTG®? Early in the process, Research and Development, Quality Control, and Strategic Sourcing work with QA to carefully develop and define the testing criteria for each oil and blend. The result of this definition is documented in a specification created and routed for review by Document Control. This document is used by our QC laboratories to determine which tests are needed and to evaluate if the oil passes or fails. This specification is also used by the QA Inspectors to evaluate the raw and the finished good oils. Finally, the specification is used by the QA Engineers when they review the entire file that includes the production, QC testing, and QA inspection records to determine if the product meets our standards and can be released for sale. They sign th