Developing a Strategic Approach to FDA Compliance for Validation of Computer Systems

This seminar will help you understand in detail Computer System Validation (CSV) and how to apply the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodology when validating computer systems subject to FDA regulations, which is critical in order to be able to develop the appropriate validation strategy and achieve the thoroughness required to prove that a system does what it purports to do. It also ensures that a system is maintained in a validated state throughout its entire life cycle, from conception through retirement. We will discuss the phases within the SDLC, and how these form the basis for any CSV project that you may undertake, and the importance of the sequence of steps will also be covered, to ensure you are able to comply with FDA expectations.

Effective and compliant computer system validation is critical to any FDA-regulated organization. During the past 30 years, best practices have been developed and, if followed, can ensure laboratory computer systems are validated efficiently and in compliance with FDA regulations. This seminar will provide guidance for planning, executing and validating a laboratory computer system, and managing the system in a validated state through the end of the system life cycle.

The seminar will take you through the validation process, indicating key aspects of the approach, including GAMP 5 System Classification, Risk Assessment and overall development of a sound validation strategy. We will cover the actual validation phases, deliverables and key points to ensuring the work is in accordance with FDA requirements for computer system validation, while also making sure the approach is cost effective for your organization.

The seminar will also address roles and responsibilities, timing of phases and deliverables, business process reengineering, organizational change management, change control and audit trails, training and documentation. You will learn what is required not only to validate your laboratory system, but maintain it in a validated state until it is retired or otherwise no longer in use.

There is an enormous body of documentation and information available on computer system validation, which can be overwhelming. This course will provide a condensed overview of the practices that deliver the best results by directing the attendees to the most critical and cost-effective of methods, techniques and tools available.

Learning Objectives:

This seminar will help you understand in detail Computer System Validation (CSV) and how to apply the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodology when validating computer systems subject to FDA regulations. This is critical in order to develop the appropriate validation strategy and achieve the thoroughness required to prove that a system does what it purports to do. It also ensures that a system is maintained in a validated state throughout its entire life cycle, from conception through retirement. We will discuss the phases within the SDLC, and how these form the basis for any CSV project. The importance of the sequence of steps will also be covered.

We will also cover Computer Software Assurance (CSA), the DRAFT Guidance from FDA on validation issued September 2022. CSA focuses on critical thinking rather than being driven by documentation and deliverables, as with traditional CSV. Both require a risk-based approach.

We’ll also cover GAMP®5, 2nd Edition which is aligned with the CSA approach. The course will cover cloud computing, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) packages. We’ll touch on 21 CFR Part 11 guidance from FDA on electronic records and electronic signatures, and data integrity compliance.