Blog
Stories from the field
Observations, anecdotes, and lessons from twenty years of audits around the world.
Cultural Differences in Pharmaceutical Audits: Surprising Lunch Lessons
From a lunch that wasn't allowed to be served at all, to a three-hour meal in Italy — cultural assumptions cost you time and appetite.
Read more →
Broken Train, Taxi Stuck in Traffic: An Audit Trip That Spiraled Out of Control
A train breakdown, an hour stuck in traffic, and a taxi meter that went through the roof — how a budget-friendly trip to Edinburgh ended in chaos.
Read more →
Small CAPA, Big Lesson: Solvent Labeling in a Japanese QC Lab
A bottle of HPLC solvent without an opening date led to a training session for 150 employees. Did we even ask for that?
Read more →
Cancelled Without Warning: Lessons from Two Failed Audits
Twice I arrived for an audit nobody had prepared for — once in Germany, once in the UK. What I learned from it.
Read more →
When an Audit Feels Like The Godfather: Hospitality vs. Integrity
Cheese, a crate of wine, and an owner who just wanted to hear that everything was great. A story about drawing the line.
Read more →
When Audits Turn Hostile: A Lesson in GMP Change Control
A remark about an undocumented process change led to a verbal confrontation with five employees — with an unexpected aftermath.
Read more →
An Apple on Camera: Enforcing GDP Compliance During a Virtual Meeting
As a Responsible Person, I spotted someone eating on camera during an online meeting — in a zone where that's strictly prohibited.
Read more →
An Unauthorized Pest Controller: A Warning for Every GMP Warehouse
During an audit in North Africa, the rodent traps were missing from one warehouse. The reason turned out to be more surprising than expected.
Read more →