Validation on Computer Systems

Validation on Computer Systems

Author: Carley Swao

Validation is the process to check if something satisfies a certain criteria. Examples would include checking if a statement is true (validity), if a computer system is secure, or if computer data are compliant with an open standard. Validation also means if one is able to document that a solution or process is correct for its intended use.

Computers are prominently used during development and manufacturing of drugs and medical devices. Proper functioning and performance of software and computer systems play a major role. Therefore, computer system validation (CSV) should be part of any good development industry or manufacturing industry. Computer System Validation (CSV) is necessary to assure that critical processes are functioning properly, in any industry. It is also requested by FDA regulation.

Few examples of Computer Systems are as follows:

• Automatic manufacturing apparatus
• Laboratory, clinical or manufacturing database systems
• Laboratory data capture devices
• Automated laboratory equipment
• Control systems
• Manufacturing execution systems

Objectives of computer System Validation:
The main objective of validation is to produce documented evidence that parts of the facility will function correctly every time, when brought into use. The goal is also to make sure that quality is built in to the system.

Requirements of System Validation:
Both the FDA and ISO 13485:2003 require computer system validation. There are a few basic requirements that a system validation requires like: Documented Training on SOPs, Development of detailed specifications and Development of a validation plan.

Aspects of Computer Systems Validation:
Computer system validation is applied to many aspects of the health care and other development industry or manufacturing industry; some of the aspects are Services, Computer Systems Cleaning, equipment and processes.

Reasons for failure of computer systems validation:

There are a lot of reasons for the failure of computer systems validation. Few of them are listed below:

1. Inadequate documentation of plans
2. Inadequate definition of expected results
3. Inadequate specification of software
4. Inadequate definition of what constitutes the computer system
5. No proper source code for the software

Services:
There are lot of services provided by CSV to help your company ensure compliance. Some of them are: Cost-Reduction without Increasing Regulatory or Business Risk, Development and execution of strategies that achieve compliance, Business Development, Computer Security Evaluations, Define user requirements, Reduce costs by detecting defects in software, Performs process-level risk assessment, Represent company during regulatory inspections, Conduct process improvement training, Manage system configuration.

Approach:
A platform-based approach is normally used for Computer System Validation. Benefits include higher level of standardization and Minimal overlap in documentation & qualification.

Computer System Validation â€" Challenge:
Risk of system failure, increase in the stringent regulatory requirements, company policies which are restrictive most of times are some of the challenges face in computer systems validation. Cincinnati Data Recovery has a team of skilled specialists offering quick, emergency service to clients.

Benefits of Computer System Validation:
Excellent Rate of investment, Provides documentation required by FDA, Saves money by reducing labour cost and increases employee efficiency and effectiveness, Maximizes the value of the computer system, reduces risk.

Service providers:
By choosing the right service provider solutions, CSV can meet global regulatory requirements and can be customized, Cincinnati Data Recovery.

Author Bio:

My name is William Smith and I am IT Systems Engineer with over 10 Year Experience; L&C Sunshine Technology Services was started with the business fundamentals that a client should be dealt with on a one on one personal level, not treated like an account number.


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