GMP
Regulatory framework for pharmaceutical manufacturing controls
ISO 56002
International guidance for innovation management systems
Quick Verdict
GMP enforces manufacturing controls for pharma safety and consistency via regulations, while ISO 56002 guides voluntary innovation systems for value creation. Regulated firms adopt GMP for compliance; all organizations use ISO 56002 to systematize innovation.
GMP
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations
Key Features
- Requires independent quality unit for batch release
- Mandates validated processes and equipment qualification
- Enforces rigorous documentation and ALCOA++ data integrity
- Implements risk-based quality management (QRM)
- Demands facility design preventing contamination and mix-ups
ISO 56002
ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system guidance
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for systematic innovation management
- Leadership commitment and future-focused governance
- Non-prescriptive guidance for all organization sizes
- Portfolio balancing and stage-gate processes
- Balanced KPIs for performance evaluation
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GMP Details
What It Is
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), including FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211, EU EudraLex Volume 4, and WHO GMP, is a regulatory framework establishing minimum standards for manufacturing controls. Its primary purpose is ensuring products like pharmaceuticals are consistently produced to quality standards, preventing contamination, mix-ups, and variability through preventive, risk-based approaches like Quality Risk Management (QRM).
Key Components
- Core pillars: 5 Ps (People, Premises, Processes, Procedures, Products)
- Elements include quality systems (ICH Q10), documentation, validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), personnel training, facility controls, and CAPA
- Built on ALCOA++ data integrity and continual improvement
- Compliance via inspections, no central certification but enforceable regionally
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for market access in pharma/biologics; reduces recalls, liability, and enforcement risks. Enhances supply reliability, efficiency, and reputation.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, Validation Master Plan, training, audits. Applies to manufacturers globally; requires ongoing inspections and internal audits.
ISO 56002 Details
What It Is
ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). It provides a generic framework applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, focusing on transforming innovation into a strategic capability via PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle and High-Level Structure alignment.
Key Components
- Seven clauses (4-10): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement
- Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leaders, strategic direction, culture, etc.
- Non-prescriptive guidance; no fixed controls, emphasizes tailored governance
- Part of ISO 56000 family; pairs with ISO 56001 for certifiability
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns innovation with strategy for better ROI
- Manages uncertainty and portfolio risks
- Enhances competitiveness and resilience
- Builds stakeholder trust without legal mandates
- Avoids pitfalls like zombie projects
Implementation Overview
- Phased: readiness diagnostic, governance design, pilot, scale-up
- Suited for SMEs to enterprises; pragmatic tailoring key
- No mandatory certification; optional via ISO 56001 audits
Key Differences
| Aspect | GMP | ISO 56002 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Manufacturing controls for product quality/safety | Innovation management system for value creation |
| Industry | Pharma, biologics, food, cosmetics globally | All sectors/organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory enforceable regulations | Voluntary guidance framework |
| Testing | Process validation, audits, inspections | Internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | Fines, recalls, shutdowns, legal action | No penalties, lost opportunities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GMP and ISO 56002
GMP FAQ
ISO 56002 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

The Service-Oriented SOC: Leveraging Maturity Assessments to Guarantee SLOs and Operational Predictability
Transform your SOC into a service provider using maturity assessments to standardize workflows, guarantee SLOs, and ensure predictability amid turnover and risi

SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria in Plain English: Side-by-Side Decoder for Security, Availability, and Beyond
Decode AICPA Trust Services Criteria from auditor jargon to plain English with side-by-side tables, analogies & TL;DRs. CISOs & founders: implement SOC 2 contro

From SOC to AI-Native CDC: Redefining Triage and Response in 2026
Explore the shift from SOCs to AI-Native CDCs. Autonomous agents handle Tier 1 triage in 2026, empowering analysts for complex threats. Discover the future of c
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 31000 vs SOX
ISO 31000 vs SOX: Compare flexible global risk guidelines to U.S. financial controls law. Boost governance, cut compliance risks—ideal for execs. Dive in now!
IFS Food vs ISO 27018
Compare IFS Food vs ISO 27018: Food safety audits meet cloud PII protection. Discover key differences in scope, audits, compliance benefits for manufacturers & CSPs now!
GDPR vs ISO 50001
Compare GDPR vs ISO 50001: Privacy law meets energy mgmt standard. Master compliance, cut risks, optimize efficiency & sustainability. Discover key diffs now!