21 CFR Part 11 Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures and Data Integrity

This course combines practical training with regulatory expertise to support effective implementation of 21 CFR Part 11, EU GMP Annex 11 and global Data Integrity standards. 

Overview of 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11
Covers core compliance obligations and regulatory definitions. 

• Key concepts and definitions in 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 
• System types and processes under regulatory scope 
• Differences between US and EU compliance expectations 

Interpretation of FDA Guidance and enforcement expectations
Explains FDA enforcement discretion and system alignment. 

• Current FDA guidance on 21 CFR Part 11 
• Aligning legacy systems with expectations 
• Documentation strategies for audit readiness 

Practical ERES assessments and industry specific examples
Focuses on performing hands-on compliance assessments. 

• ERES assessment tools and techniques 
• Identifying gaps in real systems 
• Planning mitigation strategies 

ALCOA+ principles and lifecycle mapping
Explores data integrity through the ALCOA+ lens. 

• ALCOA and ALCOA+ framework 
• Mapping the data lifecycle 
• Defining data control points 

Data Integrity and risk assessments
Links data risk with validation and control decisions. 

• Criticality and function, based risk assessments 
• Risk-based controls and documentation 
• Prioritised remediation planning 

Validation approaches: 
Details modern validation methodologies as outlined in the FDA CSV (2002), FDA CSA (2025), GAMP 5 Edition 2 (2022) guidance documents. 

• CSV (Computerised System Validation vs CSA (Computer Software Assurance) principles 
• GAMP 5 Edition 2 application 
• Tailoring validation deliverables for High-Risk and Not-High-Risk software application 

Strategies for remediation and system compliance
Outlines structured remediation for non-compliance. 

• Common non-compliance issues 
• Risk-based remediation roadmaps 
• Compliant controls and documentation 

The training involves practical exercises covering all relevant topics, with learners encouraged to work on examples from their own workplace as part of these practical exercises.  If required, content may be tailored to reflect your organisation’s specific processes, risk profile and regulatory setting. 

This course equips learners with the essential skills needed to maintain compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, EU GMP Annex 11 and related frameworks. 

The training is specifically tailored for professionals involved in GxP compliance and electronic recordkeeping, including: 

• Quality Assurance and Compliance Officers 
• Laboratory Managers and Analysts 
• Manufacturing and Validation Engineers 
• IT and System Administrators 

A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme.  

On successful completion of the training, learners will be able to: 

• Explain the key regulatory principles of Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures (ERES), including compliance obligations 
• Define and apply the ALCOA+ principles to ensure data integrity across digital systems 
• Interpret and implement the compliance requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 
• Conduct effective Data Integrity and ERES assessments, including mapping data lifecycles and identifying Critical Data 
• Use risk-based approaches for system validation and regulatory compliance 
• Apply FDA, WHO and MHRA guidance on Data Integrity in the context of global data governance standards 
• Develop targeted remediation strategies for legacy systems in regulated environments 
• Create documentation for validation planning and regulatory requirements for new computerised systems 

These outcomes ensure that learners return with the practical skills and knowledge to confidently assess systems, apply regulatory standards and support data integrity compliance effectively. 

Our tutors are leading industry experts in regulatory compliance and digital system validation.
Each Tutor brings a wealth of industry experience, sector-specific insights and a passion for practical training. Their focus is on building learner confidence through engagement, hands-on exercises and personalised support. 

Learners benefit from expert insight and ongoing support throughout the training process. 

John Lafferty

John Lafferty is a Quality professional with over 25 years experience in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. John joined SQT as a tutor in 2007. Prior to that, John spent many years working in the Medical Devices/ Pharmaceutical sectors – the final six years of which were as a Senior Manager of a multinational Medical Devices plant where he managed the Quality and Regulatory Systems. John completed his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training through SQT in 2009 and derives great benefit from applying the techniques that he learned to Risk Management and Validation in a Life Sciences setting. “It is great to be able to bring this knowledge, and the experience gained from ongoing involvement with Life Sciences companies, into the classroom,” he says.

John passionately believes that the key to success in Life Sciences Manufacturing is the relentless application of Risk Management, Variation Reduction and Good Validation Practices. As the SQT tutor for Technical Writing Skills, John believes that good written communication skills are vital for any Life Sciences professional.

John holds the following qualifications: a Bachelor of Technology in Manufacturing Technology, a Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certificate in Training & Continuing Education and a Certificate in Quality Management. John is a member of the following committees relating to Risk Management of Medical Devices; ISO TC 210 – Medical Devices Technical Committee and CEN/ISO JWG1 – Joint Working Group on Risk Management.

One of John’s greatest achievements, in recent years, has been the development of the MDSAP and MDSAP Internal Auditor courses in response to demand from SQT’s loyal client base.

SQT's training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, offering flexibility to meet each organisation’s specific needs. 

• Pre-training consultation for In-Company courses to tailor content to organisational needs 
• Emphasis on hands-on application through practical exercises, case studies and group activities that reinforce key concepts and encourage active participation 
• Access to comprehensive course material that is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest industry standards and guidance 
• Live virtual training or onsite delivery options to suit team requirements 
• Real-time support from expert tutors during and after sessions 

Class sizes are generally limited to 12–15 participants to support personalised learning and individual support, ensuring stronger retention and practical capability development. 

Learners who complete this course often continue to deepen their skills in: 

• Software Validation 
• Process Validation and Equipment Validation 
• Process Validation for Medical Device Manufacturing 
• Medical Device Risk Management and ISO 14971:2019 
• Pharmaceutical Quality Risk Management and ICH Q9 
• Technical Writing Skills 
• Quality Management System Implementation 

These programmes build upon the practical foundations established in this course.