MasterControl Quality Excellence

Avantages

I like the reports that we can easily extract from MC and also the fact that we save a lot of time by using it.

Inconvénients

That sometimes is a little bit to rigid and doesn't fit to all our needs

Avantages

This program makes document control so much easier for my company. The way you can search and collaborate with people in the company is much easier along with the tracking of all revisions is so helpful.

Inconvénients

That you do have to wait for people sometimes to move a task along depending on how you have it built. I also wish there was a date of when the InfoCard was approved on the main screen instead of having to go into the InfoCard itself or looking at the highest REV of the document.

Avantages

It consolidates all of our companies information into one location and everything is neatly tied together.

Inconvénients

The fact that the use of most symbols can cause unwanted defects.

Avantages

Documents and Training is very heavily used at our organization and saves a ton of time and money. Our company also uses the process module for CAPAs and Change Control. Once it's implemented, it's easy to use and train users.

Inconvénients

The process module is not very customizable, and the time and cost associated with implementation is very high.

Avantages

MasterControl Quality Excellence (Qx) gives us the flexibility as a global organization to configure what we need, as we need it, without needing to edit code or re-validate the system. It allows us to manage compliance and track documents (with revision and access control), training, and quality events. In addition the system is hosted in the cloud, so we do not need to maintain our own infrastructure or IT team solely for the software. By being in the cloud, we receive frequent quarterly upgrades with new features, monthly defect patches, and global 24/7 availability. We also utilize the VxT validation tool, which cuts our quarterly upgrade validation time down to hours, and the customer support team is top-notch.

Inconvénients

There are some quirks to the system that take some learning, but MasterControl has developed an excellent self-study library of courses to help. In addition, the older quality events module presented some configuration limitations that required us to adapt our processes to match MasterControl rather than the other way around. Fortunately, MasterControl's replacement of this module, Advanced Quality Event Management, just launched in 2024 and is alleviating this pain point.

Avantages

I love having a system that is digital (coming from someone who's always worked with a paper based system). The ease of routing all document types in all modules is one of my favorite features specifically for a company that has multiple sites)

Inconvénients

Some of the pain points are the cost of licensing, not having the ability for multiple collaborators to edit the same document simultaneously, and search functionality being tough for users who aren't as familiar with document numbers/names.

Avantages

The customization. MC is a useful quality system for every industry type and size.

Inconvénients

User friendliness isn't what MC is known for, so it is important to have dependable contacts within a company to help users navigate.

Avantages

Provides a wide range of modules, each of which are highly configurable.

Inconvénients

Platform is not the most intuitive to use, so can take a while for Users to learn.

Avantages

It is easy to manage documents and quality issues. In particular, the "Report function" can be customized and used, so it is possible to grasp the real-time status.

Inconvénients

It's inconvenient that I can't set up in detail during my absence. I wish I could do each of the absent settings for each permission.

Avantages

OBI has been using MasterControl since 2010. It was challenging going from paper to electronic, but I have a sense of peace knowing that everyone should receive what training, access to documents, and said training, etc. I have scheduled reports and times when I audit training. Access and ability has saved me.

Inconvénients

Lack of transparency. As a former Information Technology staff, I understand the importance of getting things (fixing issues) done now. Unfortunately, we forget to communicate or consider how certain changes may impact the organization.

Avantages

Having everything in one place makes it easier to manage the document management tasks

Inconvénients

Sometimes there are parts of the system that are unable to be edited/updates and this can limit how we schedule our tasks

Avantages

I love that fact that it is so customizable.

Inconvénients

Compared to everything else I have seen- there are no real cons. Perhaps the need for users to be somewhat computer literate.

Avantages

It’s an all-in-one out of the box solution

Inconvénients

It can be inflexible and it’s not the most user friendly

Avantages

Good for capturing data in an auditable system for the production of food and pharmaceuticals, and life sciences.

Inconvénients

Issues with the systems are not addressed in a timely manner and are frequent. The system has quite a few bugs, like not loading pages until you click "reload this page" in your browser.

Avantages

Easy to use for end users and admins
I like easy configuration of system and the flexibility

Inconvénients

Reporting is a little bit difficult, overview on quality tasks is difficult

Avantages

We are able to manage documents and training again as this was not workable on paper anymore.

Inconvénients

Some reporting functions are still not that easy to use (for example tracking pending tasks)

Avantages

Everything is on one place, it's easy to control documents and manage training

Inconvénients

It's quite clunky sometimes, for example rejecting documents, managing fbs forms, audit module on it's own

Avantages

Master Control provides great costumer services. Everything from the kick off to going live is smooth. Very helpful with the new aproaches to the old processes. All questions are answered quickly and in quality. It is very user friendly platform, easy to use and manage.

Inconvénients

As a global service sometimes it is harder to get a new needed for specific company feature added. But not impossible.

Avantages

It is easier to maintain than a bespoke QMS

Inconvénients

The lack of configurability pre AQEM which we haven’t implemented yet

Avantages

All in one and linkage between modules, job codes etc

Inconvénients

Nomenclature is hard to understand but once using it’s fine

Avantages

The fact that it brought standardization of quality processes into a global system used world wide.

Inconvénients

Performance issues whilst mass uploads or mass downloads

Avantages

Easy to customise according to your needs.

Inconvénients

Not intuitive for first time users of
New processes.

Avantages

Training module features for creating exams and use of classes.

Inconvénients

Defect that happen that cause system not to function correctly. For example, completed training being relaunched.

Avantages

Everything is in one place and is auditable

Inconvénients

It is not easy to train out, nit an easy user interface

Avantages

I really enjoy the community provided for extended learning and comparing with other professionals. It's a well-rounded, multi-faceted way to keep documents on hand and organized for multiple purposes across many departments. As a doc admin, this makes my job much easier and organization is imperative for my role.

Inconvénients

Truthfully, I cannot think of what I dislike about the program. With my position, it's made things much easier.

Avantages

Workflow flexibility and the validation process.

Inconvénients

Reporting still lacks flexibility for end users.

Avantages

First and foremost, it has a great user interface. Certain elements like the task list and document explorer are accessible and easy to navigate.

Inconvénients

The workflow builder is quite limited. You either have to rely on MasterControl's prefab workflows or try your hand at building your own (which is quite complicated) and forego MasterControl's support on those forms. There is a new platform for building these forms/workflows, and I am hopeful that it delivers a satisfying product.

Avantages

its easier to keep tack of issues using QX

Inconvénients

QX can crash after massive updates but usually gets resolved quickly

Avantages

MasterControl Keeps rolling out upgrades to the system, making it better every time

Inconvénients

It is an expensive product and can be hard to get management buy in to use.

Avantages

As Document Control I like the most that you can quickly search for documents and track packets. I like a fact that we can also update documents at step 2 Doc Control and fix format etc.

Inconvénients

I do not like that there is no notification whenever the packet is signed off by originator at collaboration step (after update).

Avantages

Quality events, document management or training. You find a solution for each in just one system.

Inconvénients

Cuncurrent license model will no longer be available.

Avantages

User friendly system. Easy to track all the changes.

Inconvénients

Sometimes it cracks, and works slowly, but that issue resolves quickly.

Avantages

MasterControl offers a robust InfoCard system that spans across various modules, enhancing the overall user experience. Document InfoCards effectively consolidate document files and associated metadata, providing a comprehensive overview, including document number, type, subtype, and custom fields

Inconvénients

Unfortunately, my experience with jReports leaves much to be desired, particularly in its ability to handle large volumes of data. As someone who regularly deals with datasets comprising millions of lines, I found JReports to be quite inadequate in meeting the demands of such extensive data processing.

Avantages

Electronic records for training and document management have allow us to move through ISO and client audits in less than half the time required prior to implementation

Inconvénients

Certain solution (FBS) forms are clunky and difficult to program. Initiated workflows are not readily changed to respond to structural changes within an organization.

Avantages

Intuitive, simple and friendly to use. Handles all of our data that we have and makes it easy to retrieve.

Inconvénients

I do not use it frequently enough so when I do go back and use it I have to re-learn what I need to do. Those issues come more from user than system issues.

Avantages

Document control, change control, and review workflows are among the biggest challenges facing our organization. MasterControl provides the means to apply industry best-practices, and excellent control and compliance, with intuitive, out-of-the box solutions. MasterControl Qx also integrates with MasterControl's Mx (Manufacturing Execution) system, a critical reason we chose it.

Inconvénients

Onboarding has been challenging. This is not a flaw in MasterControl, but rather a feature: Connections, workflows, training, responsibilities, review cycles ... all have to be specified in detail. We didn't necessarily have all the information arranged in such a way as to make its entry into MasterControl 'easy'. However, once put together, the MasterControl system is far superior to its antecedent.

Avantages

We currently use docs and training and having all of that automated has been super helpful. Tracking metrics around training and docs has been much easier with data that can be downloaded at any time. Time spent chasing down training has been significantly reduced and has made the quality team more effective overall.

Inconvénients

With the modules we currently use, I wish classes worked a little better. They are a bit difficult to set up and don't seem to integrate well with employee calendars, so extra invites are sent outside of MasterControl.

Avantages

It connects many aspects of quality and it can be greatly accessed remotely.

Inconvénients

At some points it's not self explanatory.

Avantages

I love the learning and development section of the MC the website. I love how all features can be integrated.

Inconvénients

End users struggle. You need to be using MC daily to appreciate/understand. Dashboard can be overwhelming. Wish the learning and development section from website could be easily accessed from MC app.

Avantages

Document Collaborations, Deviation/CAPA forms, training structure (Course/Exam/JobCodes/Trainee) is excellent

Inconvénients

Too many bugs in necessary utilities like Action Items and Extension Requests, Management of Change module not up to our quality standards, Jreports are very user unfriendly

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi passer à MasterControl Quality Excellence

Avantages

The seamless integration between the Documents and Training modules, and the willingness of MasterControl to listen to the users and continue improving the product.

Inconvénients

Performing administrative corrections (e.g. fixing typos) on approved documents can be a little challenging.

Avantages

The best feature of MasterControl as a whole is the process module. Process module allows custom electronic form development and allows custom routing for those forms. While it can be improved, it's a great tool, and in my opinion, MasterControl and most customers are not realizing its potential, but we do. 80% of our records are generated in the process module.

Inconvénients

There are a number of factors that all seem to coalesce to create a system that can easily become unmanageable. Those are poor documentation related to best practices that isn't easy to find or well communicated by MasterControl, lackluster support, and an already confusing user platform with a generally poor user experience. There are number of small improvements that could be made that would greatly improve user experience, but MasterControl rarely seems to develop enhancements. I've used several versions over the years, and in most cases, the user experience got worse, not better. Providing clearer/more readily accessible documentation, better support and recommendations for admins during initial setup, and making some small quality of life changes would really go a long way. With that said, that software meets all baseline requirements in satisfactory way.

Avantages

Once the system is configured and set up, the system manages a ton of work on behalf of document control administrators, training administrators, and everyone involved in quality management.

Inconvénients

The standard forms are built to address all of the most complicated scenarios which results in a lot of "N/A" entries for unused portions. This is in the works to be address as I understand it.

Avantages

I've been working with Master Control for over 20 years as a end user. I've seen the product and services grow over the past 2 decades. It is a robust software that allows me to centrally control all Quality Management System activities. When faced with a regulatory body audit, we are able to quickly retrieve documentation and satisfy the requests. I have been complimented on how easy the system is adaptable to our companies needs as we grow.

Inconvénients

The only con would be Master Control has recently been modulating costs, so my advice is to be sure you are asking for explanation of what is and what is not covered when requesting a service.

Avantages

Quality and compliance of the products is excellent

Inconvénients

Learning curve for some of the featuers is not the easiest

Avantages

MasterControl is a powerful system capable of total quality management if configured correctly. Each of the modules communicate with one another, making everything in the system fully traceable. MasterControl as a company is always innovating and looking for ways to streamline and improve the system.

Inconvénients

We are on a cloud quarterly upgrade schedule. It would be nice if Cloud customers could opt for yearly upgrade to avoid the pains that come with upgrading a large system every three months.

Avantages

All features consolidated in one system.

Inconvénients

Not easy for new users to get introduced to MC.
Support site and use

Avantages

I like how customers are able to configure many things on their own, as opposed to submitting a ticket each time something needs to be configured a different way.

Inconvénients

There are some round-about ways of doing things. Guest user set-up, for example, is not done like regular users. If you go to the list of Guests, there's no "+" to add a new Guest user. Instead, you have to find a collaboration step in your tasks somewhere, then modify step, then click "Add Guest" (which also doesn't make sense because you're not adding them to this step), then fill out the guest user's information to create the Guest's credentials.

Avantages

Transparent reports and linking with other modules

Inconvénients

Any improvement for audit module in the last 3 years

Avantages

Switching from paper based training to electronic MasterControl training module made a big difference in having a fast overview on the training status for employees, would not go back to paper never.

Inconvénients

No complete compliance training report is available, you have to browse multiple default Jreports, ended up creating a custom report with the aid of MC.