Quality

Gamp 5 ONG Overview


Computerised Systems:
Most computerised systems are now based on configurable packages, with many of them networked. Hence only Validate were there can be an impact on Customer / Patient / Safety, Product Quality, Data Integrity. If none of these are impacted there should be no need to validate. Good engineering practice is sufficient with Gamp documented procedures in operation.
Process Owners:
We Need to be clear on the differences between system owner and process owners. QA should be less involved than in the past. For example QA should review a URS against the applicable regulations. URS technical review is for technical subject matter experts and designers. QA does not need to sign a design spec, as they do not understand its contents technical SMEs are required to sign, as they have the expert knowledge.
Quality Assurance:
QA must verify that design specs are being produced for projects (i.e. verify that Processes / Procedures are being followed) but QA does not need to sign every document in a project. In other words QA should sign quality documents (e.g. URS, Validation Plans, Project Plans, Code Reviews), (e.g. design spec). At ONG Engineering the Project Management plays a key role in the final approval of Design Specifications along with the SME's for finished product design output documents.
Document Signatures:
Historically far to many signatures have been required on documents, moving to limit more reasonable signature numbers. Its suggested a maximum of three signatures per document. Ask if signatures really add value. Don’t waste time, resources and cost.
GAMP Category 2:
GAMP category 2 (firmware) has been removed from the old standard. Firmware has become so complex that it is no longer functionally distinguishable from software. Changes have been implemented to the descriptions of the GAMP category types.
Supplier Qualification:
It’s Important to know if suppliers are outsourcing. This will need careful control to ensure whether suppliers are suitably qualified. There is a need to have a Quality Plan or supplier audit with your supplier, verify suppliers have quality processes such as On Time Delivery mesurements, change control, root cause analysis or approved ISO Systems in place. Support post go-live needs to be considered, especially with small suppliers.
Leveraging of supplier documents and Audits are vital, this needs to be carefully evaluated with suppliers to ensure that on time delivery,quality,cost inclusive of documents will be of a suitable standard.
Acceptence Testing:
Testing is integrated into the Life Cycle Phases at ONG. We build "Acceptance Testing" into the process for  Code Reviews( FAT / FDS / SAT), with Commissioning, Qualification documentation and Handover documents.
Provide evidence at all levels "Especially Test Plans built into the Risk Assessment of Projects". At ONG project management takes responsibility for all test and inspection activities, to ensure they are planned in advance and conducted and documented professionally to suit our customers. Compliance is key to all our activities.

Copyright 2011 ONG Automation Ltd