Thermographic Inspection for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

equipment modifications require change control and validation impact assessments; maintenance activities generate deviation investigations when they affect batch quality. In this environment, equipment failures cause batch deviations, product holds, FDA 483 observations, and consent decree risk. Our infrared thermal imaging program specifically targets HVAC air handling units, lyophilizers, tablet presses, centrifuges, clean utility systems (WFI, clean steam), and packaging lines — the assets where early detection has the greatest impact on batch success rate and deviation closure time. We also account for strict change control requirements, adapting our measurement approach to maintain data quality despite these operating conditions.

Yes. Pharmaceutical facilities must comply with FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211 cGMP, EU Annex 15 qualification, and ISPE GAMP 5 for computerized systems. Our infrared thermal imaging program generates the condition documentation needed for cgmp-compliant maintenance documentation with audit trail, equipment qualification records, and calibration traceability. Beyond compliance, the condition data drives measurable improvements in batch success rate and deviation closure time by converting unplanned failures into scheduled repairs. Most pharmaceutical clients see meaningful reductions in batch deviations within the first 12 months of program implementation.

Where FDA cGMP, EU Annex 15, ICH Q7 requires documented preventive maintenance and equipment condition tracking, Thermographic Inspection data provides the audit-ready evidence. Measurements traceable to NETA ATS-2017 §9 thermographic survey, calibrated instrumentation records, written procedures, and finding-to-work-order tie-back. The program isn't structured to be a compliance tool — but the data it generates as a byproduct usually closes 60 to 80 percent of an inspector's questions about equipment condition.

Site walk to scope the asset population, criticality scoring against sanitary pump reliability, clean utility integrity, batch traceability, baseline measurements on the top 30 to 60 assets, then a regular cycle of annual electrical surveys, quarterly mechanical surveys. Findings get written up against NETA ATS-2017 §9 thermographic survey. For Pharmaceutical facilities, the engagement usually includes coordination with the plant's existing compliance program — pulling Thermographic Inspection results into the FDA cGMP, EU Annex 15, ICH Q7 audit file. Initial scope runs $15K-$45K depending on asset count, then ongoing at $1,500-$4,500 per facility-day.