Unclear authority during an excursion delays both evidence collection and the decision. Define the process before an event and distinguish the field role from the owner of the final product decision.
With no clear line of authority, the cold chain stalls at the decision point even when measurements exist.
Assign four functions and a backup
| Function | Work to record |
|---|---|
| Field lead | Identify product/batch, preserve condition, collect raw data |
| Quality assessor | Review product conditions and shipment history |
| Product owner or authorised decision role | Approve use, return or other disposition |
| Manager | Assign role, resources and out-of-hours backup |
The event form should capture product and batch ID, timeline, logger file, measurement point, field action and contact attempts. Define whom to call if the first contact is unavailable and where the product remains on hold.
This role allocation is not a universal legal authority rule. Update it for the organisation's role, product requirements and quality system; do not release product by assumption or from a field reading alone.