To ensure compliance of your software installation, it is helpful to use the GAMP 5 approach to choose and qualify the software installation used for the cleanroom environmental system. Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) is a guidance tool used to achieve compliant computerized systems. The tool provides systematic validation in the life cycle model to produce quality pharmaceutical equipment. Most pharmaceutical suppliers use GAMP in drug distribution as part of the FDA regulations.

Cleanroom Monitoring Software: Cloud or On-Premises?

The choice of data storage location is a technical question, which you can answer based on relevance. Cloud storage is offsite data storage where another person or entity is responsible for data security and management. On-premises data management means all IT infrastructure is in-house, with an internal resource in charge.

Each data management approach has its merits, demerits and different software requirements. In determining the choice between cloud and on-premises data management, the size of the facility and sensitivity of the data gathered matter. Such information is crucial and helps understand the user requirements specifications and the choice of data management software.

• Applying this concept in a cleanroom environmental monitoring system requires customized software to match the needs. Some of the key measurement areas of concern are temperature, relative humidity, carbon (IV) oxide, atmospheric pressure and cleanliness. Monitoring and measuring these factors require specialized sensors, making the project complex but essential.
  
  

SaaS (Cloud)

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a data distribution and management model where the cloud service provider hosts applications and offers access to the database over the internet. Only authorized persons can access the database, making it secure. Regarding SaaS, experts try to address encryption, security monitoring, data residency and incidence responses.

Latest Functions and Features

SaaS has made strides in the recent past on data management. Some of its latest security features include:

• Data in-transit protection using the Transport Layer Security. It includes client-service protection and protection between microservers.
• API authentication and protection.
• Multi-factor authentication, which reduces data theft.

Easy to Use and Maintain

Despite the strict security feature configurations, using SaaS as a client is easier. Cleanroom environmental monitoring system administrators can scale its usage, enabling them to access more or fewer services based on demand. The latest system version has an auto-update feature, which reduces the operation cost. Furthermore, you can customize SaaS to fit into any user requirements specifications.

Save Resources

Most SaaS service providers offer a subscription model, which is affordable. Data managers save funds that would have gone into software purchase, installation, and other complementary software. There is no need for manual reporting and regular checks since the system is set to observe compliance. From automated warnings to alarms, the system handles critical cleanroom environmental monitoring and audits.

Flexibility

Software managers can customize it to fit any user requirements specifications. It manages data excursions and can build user profiles based on individual use (e.g., depending on cleanroom shifts).

On-Premises

If you have an in-house data server, it comes with several elements. An on-premises data management system works well with big IT companies, as they can effectively manage the process. Consider the following on-premises system elements when looking into this option:

• Unstable internet – If you cannot rely on the internet to send data, the on-premises system transmits data in a closed system, which doesn’t depend on the internet.
• Complete control – Using an on-premises data server gives you complete control over the IT infrastructure. The system administrator has exclusive access to the database and infrastructure and can customize it to suit the purpose.
• Security risk – With total control comes responsibility. The company is responsible for IT and data security. Since the servers are physically installed, the company should have physical and cybersecurity technicians to protect them from intrusion. Any physical attack on the premises poses risks to data security.
• Avoid possible data loss – Since everything is in one place, you need a robust backup process to prevent data loss.
• Software updates – The software may not always be up-to-date since upgrades require physical installation. Outdated software increases vulnerability to cybersecurity threats.
• Resources and time – Installing physical servers is expensive and time-consuming. Fortifying the location before bringing in the equipment adds to the total cost of setting up a cleanroom environmental monitoring system.
  
  

Key Strategies in Software Development

There are five key strategies developers use to design cleanroom software. Each strategy addresses a phase in the development process:

• Formal Specification – The user requirement specification guides the system configuration. Consider the size of the cleanroom in your plan, and determine the sensors and other hardware and software needed.
• Incremental Development – This step includes initial system testing to measure its design specifications. If it passes, the developer proceeds. Otherwise, the process restarts.
• Structured Programming – Configuration programming integrates the software into the cleanroom monitoring system. Verification ensures that the software behaves as expected.
• Static Verification – Functional testing confirms the cleanroom environmental monitoring system’s performance using sample pharmaceutical products.
• Statistical Testing – The final system verification step evaluates every phase of development, ensuring it meets all user specifications.
  
  

GAMP 5 Categories for Your Environmental Monitoring System

In pharmaceutical engineering, GAMP 5 provides a risk-based approach for GxP compliance in computerized systems. It categorizes risks to validate systems for cleanroom environmental monitoring:

• Category 3: Non-Configured Products – Standard software with minimal configuration.
• Category 4: Configured Products – Software customized to user specifications.
• Category 5: Custom Applications – Specialized solutions for highly regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals.
  
  

Conclusion

Cleanroom environmental monitoring systems require precise measuring and monitoring of conditions to ensure compliance and product safety. Software solutions must be tailored to meet specific user requirements. For expert guidance and solutions, contact ELPRO to explore their advanced technology and experience in environmental monitoring and audits for healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

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