Icologiq Knowledge · Process

Document Version Control

The controls used to identify, approve, publish and trace document revisions so users work from the correct current version and obsolete versions remain controlled.

Also known as:

Version Control, document revision control, revision control, document versioning

At a glance

Type

Process

Topic

Document Control

Applies to

Cross-industry

Current version

Status

Last reviewed

September 29, 2026

Definition

Document Version Control is the set of controls used to identify, review, approve, publish and trace revisions of controlled documents. It establishes which version is current, preserves revision history and prevents superseded or obsolete versions from being used unintentionally. Version control is a core part of document control, but it also depends on permissions, approval workflow, effective dates and audit history.

Why it matters

For Quality teams, a document is only useful when people can trust that they are using the approved version. Weak version control creates audit findings, inconsistent work and uncertainty about what was in force at a given time. A controlled eQMS should make current status clear while retaining earlier versions, approvals and change history as evidence.

View term

The process of ensuring that approved documents are current, traceable, accessible to the right people and protected against uncontrolled change or use.

Document Control

Process

· Document Control

View term

A document whose creation, approval, revision, distribution and withdrawal are managed through defined controls to ensure authorized and current information is used.

Controlled Document

Concept

· Document Control

View term

The organized management of documents throughout their lifecycle, including creation, review, approval, publication, retrieval, revision and retirement.

Document Management

Process

· Document Control

View term

A traceable record of relevant system activities and changes showing what happened, when it happened and, where applicable, who performed the action.

Audit Trail

Technology/Compliance

· Document Control

View term

A formal process for proposing, assessing, approving, implementing and documenting changes that can affect quality, compliance, products or validated processes.