📝 Design & URS Development
- Develop and review User Requirement Specifications (URS) for standalone GMP equipment ensuring alignment with process needs, regulatory standards, and risk-based validation approaches
- Define critical design parameters and performance attributes to ensure equipment is suitable for intended use
- Participate in Design Qualification (DQ) reviews and provide technical validation input during procurement
🏭 Equipment Types Covered
Standalone equipment typically includes:
- Palletanks
- pH and Conductivity Meters
- Analytical Balances
- Water Baths
- Vortex Mixers
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- Shakers, Rockers, Magnetic Stirrers
- Glassware Washers / Dryers
- Microscopes
- Ovens
- Label Printers & Barcoding Equipment
- Manual Sealers / Crimpers
- Power backup systems (UPS, portable gensets)
🔧 Commissioning & Installation Activities
- Oversee installation verification including physical placement, utility connection checks, and labeling (asset tags, calibration status)
- Ensure vendor manuals, calibration certificates, and spare part lists are available and compliant
- Execute pre-functional checks for mechanical, electrical, and software components (if applicable)
📋 Qualification Protocol Execution
- Draft and execute:
- Installation Qualification (IQ): Verifying physical attributes, documentation, and utility connections
- Operational Qualification (OQ): Verifying operational controls, display accuracy, alarm responses, and auto-cycles
- Performance Qualification (PQ): When applicable, simulate actual use conditions to ensure consistent performance
- For instruments like balances and pH meters, perform calibration with certified standards and verify repeatability/linearity
📊 Calibration & Environmental Testing
- Perform or verify calibration of:
- Temperature sensors (in incubators, ovens)
- pH electrodes
- Balances (using calibrated weights)
- Conduct temperature mapping for cold storage or heating equipment as per ICH Q1A and WHO TRS 961
- Verify alarm testing and threshold limits (e.g., for freezers, refrigerators)
🗂️ Documentation & GMP Compliance
- Create and maintain validation documentation including:
- URS, RTM, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, summary reports
- Equipment SOPs and Work Instructions
- Ensure data integrity compliance with ALCOA+ principles
- Archive vendor manuals, installation drawings, and training certificates as part of validation dossier
🛠️ Deviation, Change Control & CAPA Management
- Document deviations encountered during qualification execution
- Perform impact assessments, propose CAPAs, and oversee requalification when required
- Review equipment changes post-installation (firmware updates, part replacement) and initiate change control as needed
👥 Cross-functional Support
- Coordinate with:
- QA for protocol review/approval
- IT for data storage and compliance (if equipment is networked)
- Facilities and Engineering for utility provision and integration
- Support training of operators and QA in handling standalone equipment post-qualification