Free GDP/GMP audit-readiness check for temperature mapping

Would your temperature mapping and monitoring documentation stand up to a GDP or GMP audit?

Answer a focused set of questions in just a few minutes, tailored to your room or equipment: warehouse, cold room, freezer room, refrigerator, freezer, stability chamber or ULT freezer. You will immediately see where your documentation is strong and which points could leave it exposed during an inspection.

QA professional reviewing a temperature-controlled warehouse

Built for QA teams in GDP, GMP, pharmacy and laboratory environments, based on what auditors actually review in practice.

When is a temperature mapping audit-ready?

A temperature mapping file is fundamentally audit-ready when the scope and acceptance criteria are defined in advance, measurement points are risk-based and justified, calibrated data loggers are used, raw data is available, hot and cold spots have been assessed, the monitoring position follows from the mapping, and deviations, conclusions and requalification triggers are documented.

Which requirements apply exactly depends on the type of room, the stored product, the quality system and the risk assessment performed.

What is this audit-readiness check based on?

This audit-readiness check combines requirements and principles from European GDP and GMP guidelines with international guidance and practical experience around temperature mapping and monitoring. Not every control point in the check is a literal legal requirement in every situation. Applicability depends among other things on the type of room or equipment, the stored product, the quality system and the risk assessment performed.

Primary sources

Grounded in guidelines and audit practice

In addition to GDP and GMP guidelines, we analysed 58 publicly available inspection reports from the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ). We identified 37 concrete findings on temperature control, mapping, monitoring and how these are anchored in the quality system. These practical insights are used to align the audit-readiness check with topics that actually receive attention during inspections.

See what Dutch inspectors observe in practice on temperature mapping →

Frequently asked questions about the audit readiness check

What is an audit readiness check for temperature mapping?

An audit readiness check is a structured self-assessment that compares your temperature mapping and monitoring documentation with the points GDP, GMP and pharmacy auditors typically review in practice. You answer questions about setup, study design, calibration, monitoring and reporting. The result is a report showing which areas are already well covered and which still need attention.

Does this check replace a formal external audit?

No. The audit readiness check is a practical self-assessment based on your own answers. It helps you identify gaps in your documentation before an auditor raises them, but it does not replace a formal GDP, GMP or ISO audit by an accredited party. For an independent review of your protocol, raw data and CAPA, you can request an external assessment.

Which standards are the questions based on?

The questions align with EU GDP (2013/C 343/01), GMP Annex 15 (Qualification and Validation), WHO Technical Report Series, ISPE Good Practice Guides and real-world IGJ inspection findings. Topics such as initial mapping, acceptance criteria, monitoring position, ALCOA+ and periodic requalification are directly traceable to these guidelines.

Who is this audit readiness check for?

The check is written for QA, QP, validation and compliance professionals in pharma, biotech, distribution (GDP), pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories and medical device manufacturing. Technical managers responsible for stability chambers, cold rooms and ULT freezers can also use it to review their documentation.

Which rooms and equipment are suitable?

The questions are tailored to warehouses (15–25 °C), cold rooms (2–8 °C), freezer rooms (−25 °C), refrigerators, freezers, stability chambers and ULT freezers (−80 °C). For each type, you only see questions relevant to that room or unit, including type-specific topics such as defrost cycles, seasonal mapping, ICH conditions or backup systems.

How long does it take to complete?

Allow about 5 to 10 minutes. You answer a few yes-or-no questions in each section. At the end, your audit report is ready with supporting notes for every question and practical recommendations for any gaps.

What does the audit report contain?

The report (PDF, approximately 6–8 pages) includes a cover page with the overall score and readiness indicator, followed by a detailed section-by-section review with supporting notes for each question. Where you answer no, you receive specific recommendations to close the gap. The report ends with a consolidated action list grouped by topic. You can share it internally with QA or use it as input for your own change control or CAPA process.

What happens to my answers and data?

Your answers and contact details are used to generate your audit report and send it to you by email. We store the data securely and do not share it with third parties. See our privacy policy for full details on data handling and retention periods.

Can I get professional advice after the check?

Yes. Based on your report, you can request a free consultation. We can review the open points with you, help prioritise actions and support you with remapping, protocol or documentation updates, or an external pre-audit if needed. Contact us via our contact page.

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