Paperwork, Time, Resources

by Rebecca Haugland | June 27, 2016

As veterinarians, producers, feed mills and industry professional figure out how they’re going to handle Veterinary Feed Directives (VFDs) in the coming months, it’s important to keep in mind the increase in resources this ruling will require — including the time it takes to create and distribute VFDs, as well as the resources needed to oversee the process. We’ve summarized some important differences in the paper vs. electronic VFD process.


Paper vs Electronic Veterinary Feed Directive VFD Process

Paper vs Electronic Veterinary Feed Directive VFD Process


ELECTRONIC VS. PAPER VFDS

Both paper and electronic VFD formats are acceptable, however there are several things you should know when deciding which format works for you.

FeedLINK® Electronic Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) system is the only complete solution that provides end-to-end management of VFDs and helps enable compliance. FeedLINK creates and stores true electronic VFDs using a secure cloud-based system. This system has been scrutinized by a third party auditor who specializes in Part 11 compliance.

GlobalVetLINK’s digital signatures are part 11 compliant. When a vet signs the GVL eVFD, they must provide their username and password. Once the document is signed, it is locked from any further alteration. GVL utilizes PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) technology to digitally sign eVFD documents which enables those who view GVL certificates and VFDs to verify the certificate as an authentic electronically signed document.

Patent-pending GVL SmartEngine™ technology helps ensure VFDs are accurate, complete and compliant with requirements. 

When creating a VFD in a paper form or a fillable pdf, a vet must provide the information needed from memory or by looking it up and then checking it over for accuracy. For example, whether a VFD drug can be used in combination with other antibiotics.

GVL SmartEngine technology helps the vet through the creation process by holding this information within the system and presenting the correct options. Following completion of the certificate, it checks the document for accuracy and ensures the use of valid data. If something is missing or found to be incorrect, GVL SmartEngine technology identifies the errors to the veterinarian.

Ultimately, GVL SmartEngine technology reduces inaccuracies and saves time spent reviewing documents and following up with compliance issues. This improves efficiency while easing the minds of veterinarians, feed distributors, producers and state animal health officials.