Safe products are essential for the pharmaceutical industry. What is the role of change control in this? We explain.
Summary: Pharmaceutical and medical device companies must validate their software to meet strict compliance requirements. Computer systems must provide accurate data for the safe production of medicines, as the smallest errors can jeopardize patient safety. Compliance with regulatory agencies such as the FDA is essential. Proper computer system validation brings benefits such as reliable products, high customer satisfaction, cost savings on complaints and strengthening the company's image through high quality standards.
It's a must: companies in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sector are obliged to introduce validated software and adhere to strict compliance rules. Computer systems used for the production, testing and documentation of sensitive products such as medicines must provide accurate and reliable data. There must be no room for deviations; after all, the goal is maximum patient safety.
In software-supported production, for example, the dosage is calculated automatically. The slightest error can lead to products being faulty, deviating from the strict standards and posing a risk to patients. Regulatory authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) therefore stipulate requirements that must be met in software-assisted manufacturing.
Computer system validation can bring considerable benefits for your own company. Safe, high-quality products ensure satisfied customers and avoid complaints. This allows you to avoid unnecessary costs for handling complaints, promote your company's image with high quality standards and avoid legal consequences - setting the course for long-term success and growth.
However, in order to achieve the desired safety, compliance with applicable regulations and the desired quality, you must first successfully complete the computer system validation process - and this is where challenges lurk that can become stumbling blocks if approached incorrectly.
Typical standards such as GxP, 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 regulate the requirements for computer system validation. Anyone who deals with them quickly realizes that they are extremely comprehensive and are adapted at regular intervals. This is important and right, because the products in question are sensitive. But patients will only receive safe products if the specifications are taken into account in every detail and implemented accordingly.
In-depth expert knowledge and a suitable project methodology are required to meet the technical and regulatory aspects of computer system validation. Only very few companies have both, which usually leads to delays and an increased risk of errors. You run the risk of losing valuable time, which you do not have in a contested market with numerous competitors, and risk the quality of your products.
Strong competition and turbulent economic times are putting companies under increasing pressure to bring products to market quickly and cost-effectively. The idea of going through the validation process with less precision or shortening it is an obvious one. This can affect the quality of your products, patient safety and ultimately the reputation or even approval of your company.
Successful validation of a computer system ensures that it consistently and securely fulfills its intended purpose at the time of testing. In the event of an update, there will naturally be changes that need to be retested and approved. The execution of these periodically recurring tests therefore requires good planning so that they run routinely in the event of updates and can even be supported by automated tests if necessary.
We are Yaveon, experts for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. As a Microsoft partner, we have been advising and supporting companies in the pharmaceutical industry in successful computer system validation since 2008. With experience, best practices and all the necessary documentation, we provide them with a way to safely introduce our centerpiece, the industry-specific ERP Yaveon 365. With success! Our solution is already in use worldwide with over 750 installations. Yaveon 365 is not only fully integrated into Microsoft ERP Business Central, but also includes everything that a suitable pharmaceutical or medical device solution needs:
Our team consists of over 230 hard-working people who are passionate and dedicated to the success of our customers. Because companies in the process manufacturing industry that choose Yaveon expect more than just practical functions. They get a solution of the highest quality, industry-specific advice based on years of experience and best practices, and a long-term companion
Safe products are essential for the pharmaceutical industry. What is the role of change control in this? We explain.
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