Pharmaceutical Production Basics: BMR, BPR, SOP, GMP & In-Process Checks
Understanding key pharmaceutical production concepts is important for students, fresh graduates, and professionals working in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Below are essential terms used in tablet compression, capsule filling, coating operations, and quality documentation within the pharmaceutical industry.
1. What is Production?
Production in the pharmaceutical industry refers to the complete process of manufacturing a product, starting from the receipt of raw materials to the final dispatch of the finished product. It includes:
- Handling and verification of raw materials
- Manufacturing and packaging operations
- Proper documentation and batch record maintenance
- Managing manpower and ensuring compliance with procedures
2. What is Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR)?
A Batch Manufacturing Record contains the complete documented history of a product batch during production. It includes:
- Material dispensing records
- Granulation, blending, compression, capsule filling and coating steps
- Signatures of operators and supervisors
- Date and time of each activity
3. What is Batch Packaging Record (BPR)?
A Batch Packaging Record documents all packaging activities performed on a batch, such as:
- Blister packing
- Bottle or jar packing
- Carton and shipper packing
- Operator and supervisor signatures for verification
4. What is Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)?
An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient is the component responsible for the therapeutic effect of a medicine. It produces pharmacological action for treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of disease.
5. What is Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?
A Standard Operating Procedure is an approved document that describes step-by-step instructions for performing specific activities. SOPs ensure uniformity, compliance, safety, and quality in production and packaging processes.
6. What is GMP and CGMP?
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) are guidelines that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled to required quality standards.
CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) refers to following the latest and updated GMP standards as regulatory requirements evolve.
7. In-Process Checks During Tablet Compression
- Appearance / Presentation
- Group and Individual Weight Variation
- Thickness and Diameter
- Hardness and Friability
- Disintegration Time
- Compression Force and Machine Speed
8. In-Process Checks During Capsule Filling
- Appearance
- Group and Individual Capsule Weight
- Net Fill Weight
- Capsule Locking
- Disintegration Time
9. In-Process Checks During Tablet Coating
- Appearance
- Inlet and Outlet Temperature
- Spray Rate and Gun Distance
- Weight Gain
- Coated Tablet Group & Individual Weight
- Tablet Thickness
10. Common Tablet Defects
- Weight variation
- Picking and adhering
- Capping and lamination
- Chipping and breakage
- Double compression
- Rough edges or powdery surface
- Black spots, oil stains, foreign particles
- Incorrect embossing or debossing
This information is widely used in pharmaceutical plant operations and is helpful for job interviews, production training, and GMP understanding.

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