Computer System Validation (CSV) vs. Computer System Assurance (CSA): Aligning the Agile Methodology to the GAMP®5 "V" Model and System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodology

Why Should You Attend:

The attendee will learn about ways to modernize the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach to Computer System Validation (CSV) by using automated testing tools that will result in a continuous validation of software products. This approach is amenable to the agile software development methodology, which can be adapted for use in validation.

We will also discuss the important aspects of CSV and how to apply them in a new and modern technological environment.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• Learn how to identify “GxP” Systems
• Discuss the Computer System Validation (CSV) approach based on FDA requirements
• Understand the agile methodology and comparison to the waterfall approach
• Understand Computer Software Assurance (CSA) and the use and value of automated testing and critical thinking
• Learn about the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach to validation
• Discuss the best practices for documenting computer system validation efforts, including requirements, design, development, testing and operational maintenance procedures
• Understand how to maintain a system in a validated state through the system’s entire life cycle
• Learn how to assure the integrity of data that supports GxP work
• Discuss the importance of “GxP” documentation that complies with FDA requirements
• Learn about the policies and procedures needed to support your validation process and ongoing maintenance of your systems in a validated state
• Understand the key components of 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures
• Understand the requirements for data integrity – the ALCOA Plus principles
• Know the regulatory influences that lead to FDA’s current thinking at any given time
• Learn how to conduct a risk assessment on computer systems that will provide the basis for developing a validation rationale
• Understand the need to include an assessment of a computer system’s size, complexity, business criticality, GAMP®5 category and risk, should it fail, to develop a cohesive and comprehensive validation rationale
• Learn how to assess risk, based on probability of occurrence, severity of impact, detectability and mitigation, along with technical and procedural controls that can help minimize risk
• Learn how to best prepare for an FDA inspection or audit of a GxP computer system
• Understand the importance of performing a thorough vendor audit to ensure oversight to the products and services they deliver
• Finally, understand the industry best practices that will enable you to optimize your approach to validation and compliance, based on risk assessment, to ensure data integrity is maintained throughout the entire data life cycle
• Q&A

Who Will Benefit:

This webinar is intended for those involved in planning, execution and support of computer system validation activities, working in the FDA-regulated industries, including pharmaceutical, medical device, biologics, tobacco and tobacco-related products (e-liquids, e-cigarettes, pouch tobacco, cigars, etc.). Functions that are applicable include research and development, manufacturing, Quality Control, distribution, clinical testing and management, sample labeling, adverse events management and post-marketing surveillance.

Examples of who will benefit from this webinar include:

• Information Technology Analysts
• Information Technology Developers and Testers
• QC/QA Managers and Analysts
• Analytical Chemists
• Compliance and Audit Managers
• Laboratory Managers
• Automation Analysts
• Manufacturing Specialists and Managers
• Supply Chain Specialists and Managers
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists
• Regulatory Submissions Specialists
• Risk Management Professionals
• Clinical Data Analysts
• Clinical Data Managers
• Clinical Trial Sponsors
• Computer System Validation Specialists
• GMP Training Specialists
• Business Stakeholders/Subject Matter Experts
• Business System/Application Testers

This webinar will also benefit any vendors and consultants working in the life sciences industry who are involved in computer system implementation, validation and compliance.

Instructor Profile:

Topic Background:

Computer system validation has been regulated by FDA for more than 40 years, as it relates to systems used in the manufacturing, testing and distribution of a product in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or other FDA-regulated industries. The FDA requirements ensure thorough planning, implementation, integration, testing and management of computer systems used to collect, analyze and/or report data.

Electronic records and electronic signatures (ER/ES) came into play through guidelines established by FDA in 1997, and disseminated through 21 CFR Part 11. This code describes the basic requirements for validating and documenting ER/ES capability in systems used in an FDA-regulated environment.

In the early 2000s, FDA recognized they could not inspect every computer system at every regulated company and placed the onus on industry to begin assessing all regulated computer systems based on risk. The level of potential risk, should the system fail to operate properly, needed to be the basis for each company’s approach to developing a validation approach and rationale as part of the planning process. System size, complexity, business criticality, GAMP®5 category and risk rating are the five key components for determining the scope and robustness of testing required to ensure data integrity and product safety.

Advancements in technology have forced organizations to rethink business models. Once controlled and orderly, these organizations are now more chaotic and complex, serving patients and customers that are better informed and with higher expectations than ever before. Work practices and tools must change to meet these challenges.

The approach to developing software, performing validation and maintaining a system in a validated state through its entire life cycle should be carefully considered in order to meet changing needs. This webinar will include a comparison of the agile and waterfall methodologies, along with the pros and cons of each. There may not be one size that fits all, and so it is important to understand what needs to be considered when making such a determination.

We’ll discuss Computer System Validation (CSV) and Computer Software Assurance (CSA), the FDA’s draft guidance (September 2022) on the subject that is well-aligned with GAMP®5, Second Edition, issued by ISPE in July 2022.

We’ll cover automated testing, critical thinking, and other ways of ensuring the best and most efficient course is followed when validation FDA-regulated computer systems.