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FDA CFR Part 11 Compliance and Audit

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FDA CFR Part 11 Compliance and Audit

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 is an important regulation for life sciences, pharma, biotech, and medical device companies. It mainly governs how electronic records and electronic signatures (ERES) are created, stored and managed, making sure there is integrity, security and traceability. Not complying can lead to FDA warning letters, product recalls, legal issues and even reputational damage, all of which may disrupt operations and reduce stakeholder trust.

At VISTA InfoSec, we make FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance a bit more simple. Backed with CREST accreditation and decades of industry experience, our team gives clear guidance and practical support to help organizations achieve and also maintain compliance. Whether you’re setting up electronic systems for first time or improving existing ones, we help you align with FDA expectations in an efficient and effective way.

We also provide AuditFusion360, our integrated compliance model which combines Part 11 assessments with other frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA and GxP. By bringing overlapping requirements together into one process, AuditFusion360 helps reduce audit fatigue, cut down duplicate controls and gives you one consolidated view of your compliance posture.

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    Our FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Services

    Compliance Consulting

    Hands-on support to develop or refine SOPs, validation documentation, system configurations, and risk assessments, ensuring both technical and procedural alignment with Part 11.

    Readiness & Independent Audit

    Comprehensive assessments of your electronic systems, records, and signatures. We review controls, documentation, and validation evidence to confirm compliance readiness and prepare you for FDA inspections.

    FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Audit Methodology

    Scoping & Planning
    Define applicable systems, records, and processes subject to Part 11. Establish timelines, data collection requirements, and overall audit objectives. Where needed, integrate with AuditFusion360 to cover multiple compliance frameworks in one engagement.
    Documentation Review
    Assess SOPs, validation protocols, training records, access controls, and change management processes against Part 11 expectations.
    System & Technical Assessment
    Evaluate electronic systems for audit trails, data integrity, access control, encryption, and compliance with technical criteria under Part 11.
    Procedural Evaluation
    Verify operational practices against written policies to ensure consistency with FDA regulatory requirements.
    Electronic Signature Verification
    Review controls for uniqueness, linking, and security of electronic signatures to their corresponding records.
    Gap Analysis & Risk Prioritization
    Identify deviations, classify their severity, and prioritize remediation efforts based on regulatory impact and operational risk.
    Audit Reporting & Exit Meeting
    Deliver a comprehensive report with findings, references to FDA requirements, and corrective action recommendations.

    FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Audit Deliverables

    Independent Part 11 Audit Report

     Full compliance status with detailed findings and gap analysis.

    Risk Assessment Summary

    Clear mapping of risks to data integrity and compliance, with recommended mitigations.

    Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

    A prioritized roadmap to remediate non-compliance and strengthen controls.

    Updated SOP Recommendations

    Practical recommendations for aligning policies and procedures with FDA standards.

    AuditFusion360 Consolidated Report (if applicable)

    Unified reporting across FDA Part 11 and other frameworks, streamlining compliance oversight.

    Ongoing Support for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance

    Staying compliant isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment. We help you stay ahead with:

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    Frequently Asked Questions on FDA CFR Part 11 Compliance

    The purpose of establishing CFR Part 11 is to ensure the authenticity of electronic data and signatures and make them equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures.

    The 21 CFR Part 11 applies to clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies, who are conducting FDA-regulated research. Any organizations conducting clinical research in the U.S, or submitting their drugs and devices to the FDA for approval, need to comply with CFR Part 11. Every tech or medical device used in clinical research must be compatible with the CFR Part11.

    The 21 CFR Part 11 applies to any records that are required by the FDA and are being maintained electronically instead of in a physical format. This includes any electronic document records required by the FDA and mentioned in the Predicate Rule.

    The FDA considers electronic signatures equivalent to handwritten signatures but requires the electronic signatures to include the printed name of the signer, date and time of the signature executed, unique user ID, digital adopted signature, and meaning of the signature with labeled signing reason.

    Get Started with FDA CFR part 11 Compliance Today

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