“Top 20 Interview Questions for Freshers in the Warehouse Department of the Pharmaceutical Industry”

1. What is the primary function of a warehouse in the pharmaceutical industry?

To store raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods under controlled conditions, ensuring quality and compliance with regulations.

2. What are Good Storage Practices (GSP)?

Guidelines to ensure proper storage conditions, such as temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and segregation, to maintain material quality.

3. What is FEFO and FIFO, and why are they important?

• FEFO (First Expiry First Out): Ensures materials with the earliest expiry dates are used first.
• FIFO (First In First Out): Ensures older stock is used before newer stock.
  Both prevent wastage and ensure compliance with quality standards.

4. What are the key documents maintained in a pharmaceutical warehouse?

• Stock register.
• Material receipt note (MRN).
• Dispensing records.
• Goods issue note (GIN).
• Inventory reconciliation reports.

5. How do you ensure the proper storage of temperature-sensitive materials?

By storing them in temperature-controlled rooms or refrigerators as per their specific requirements and monitoring conditions with calibrated equipment.

6. What is a quarantine area, and why is it important?

The quarantine area is used to hold materials that are awaiting quality checks or approval to ensure they are not used or distributed prematurely.

7. What is the purpose of batch segregation in a warehouse?

To prevent cross-contamination and ensure traceability of materials, aiding in recalls if necessary.

8. How do you handle material discrepancies in the warehouse?

Report discrepancies to the supervisor, document them, and investigate the cause. Follow up with corrective actions as per SOPs.

9. What are controlled substances, and how are they stored?

Controlled substances are drugs regulated due to their potential for abuse. They are stored in secure, locked cabinets with restricted access.

10. What safety measures are taken in a pharmaceutical warehouse?

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Proper labeling and segregation of hazardous materials.
• Fire safety protocols.
• Spill management procedures.

11. What is inventory reconciliation?

The process of comparing physical stock with system records to ensure accuracy and address discrepancies.

12. How are rejected materials managed in the warehouse?

Rejected materials are stored in a designated rejection area and disposed of or returned as per SOPs.

13. What is the role of humidity control in a warehouse?

Humidity control prevents degradation of hygroscopic materials and ensures stability of the stored products.

14. What is an SOP, and why is it important in warehouse operations?

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is a documented set of instructions for routine tasks, ensuring consistency and regulatory compliance.

15. How do you ensure compliance with GDP (Good Distribution Practices)?

By following documented procedures for receiving, storing, and dispatching materials to maintain their quality and integrity.

16. What is the importance of labeling in a pharmaceutical warehouse?

Labels provide crucial information, such as material name, batch number, expiry date, and storage conditions, ensuring traceability and proper handling.

17. How would you handle a damaged consignment in the warehouse?

Document the damage, inform the supervisor, segregate the damaged items, and follow SOPs for further action.

18. What software tools are commonly used in warehouse management?

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems like SAP or Oracle for inventory tracking, stock management, and documentation.

19. How do you prepare for an audit in the warehouse?

Ensure all documents are up-to-date, storage conditions are compliant, and any deviations are addressed with corrective actions.

20. What is the role of warehouse personnel in product recalls?

To identify and segregate recalled products based on batch numbers and ensure they are removed from distribution channels.