Promise #11 – FirstDoc and D2

Refer14 Unfulfilled Promises

Background

In my post “FirstDoc & D2” I told you all (breathlessly) that there was going to be a webinar where CSC were going to discuss their plans regarding EMC’s D2 interface.

Verdict

Unable to Fulfil Due to a family commitment I was unable to attend this webinar. I had contacted with some people at CSC beforehand to to see if it would be recorded. The answer I got was “Yes”, but since then I have been advised that, because of the commercially sensitive nature of the webinar, it wasn’t. I certainly understand that that decision has been made. As such, though, I am not able to actually deliver on this promise.

  • FirstDoc & D2 – getting funky together (markjowen.com)
  • 14 Unfulfilled Promises (markjowen.com)

FirstDoc & D2 – getting funky together

In an earlier post I discussed how EMC’s are now licencing D2 technology from C6, and that this meant that CSC are having to change their user interface strategy.

Well…on Tuesday, 6th of March, there is a webinar that will reveal what has been going on “behind the scenes”.

Some of my favourite CSC people will be discussing CSC’s “new, improved” customer interface strategy as “FirstDoc embraces D2” (their words, not mine).

I’ve been following this with interest for awhile, and I’ve registered for the webinar.

I’ll let you know all about it after the 6th.

Related articles

CSC has had to change their plans…

In my earlier post about the FirstDoc User Group conference that was held in Vienna earlier this year, I wrote about CSC’s User Interface strategy.

To recap – CSC produce technology that provides a compliance layer for content management systems. Although available for SharePoint systems (under the name “FirstPoint), the predominant application is “FirstDoc” which is built to work with, and integrate into, EMC’s Documentum.

The native FirstDoc client application is interwoven into Documentum’s client application and, as a result, CSC need to ensure that they shadow any architecture decisions EMC makes.

Over the last few years EMC have been making it clear that their way forward (with regards to their client applications) was to be with a technology called xCP. This would allow developers to create applications through configuring and then assembling components. The core idea is that “complex solutions are composed from interaction of Documentum objects with business processes”. Initially it was made clear that this technology was for case-based applications, but, the later versions were being promoted as the “interface solution”. (You can download EMC’s whitepaper on xCP here).

At the same time, EMC have announced that they had made plans to retire their current client application “WebTop”, and the idea was to replace it with xCP technology. CSC had been invited to be involved with version 2.1 of xCP to ensure that FirstDoc functionality could be tightly integrated with it.

At this year’s Momentum, however, EMC announced that they had licenced D2 technology from a French company called C6. (You can read the announcement here.) C6 have been EMC partners for a long time, and I recall seeing them at many previous Momentum conferences, where they have certainly caught people’s attention.

C6’s products work on the basis of “configuration“, and will be technology for “content-centric” applications.

C6 have also released x3, which is a “widget-based, agnostic browser, client interface that enables to extend the use of D2 Client to various browsers such as: Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera.”.

 Obviously this will offer incredible advantages. Especially in this mobile-age, and especially for industries (such as Pharma), that, because of strict compliance requirements (and the overarching mindset that that brings with it), have not been as “agile” as they could.

CSC have announced that they are working together with EMC to ensure that the tight integration between CSC’s FirstDoc client interface, and D2, will be maintained.

I am watching this space with interest…

Total Regulatory Solution – a “complete” offering from CSC – Webinar 1

The other day I received an invitation from CSC to attend a series of three webinars on their “Total Regulatory Solution” offering.

The “Total Regulatory Solution” consists of three “components”:

  • Software
  • As a service offering
  • Business Process Outsourcing.

Having described CSC’s plans for this earlier (In Part 1, and Part 2 of the FirstDoc User Group posts), I was curious to see what CSC would cover.

Webinar 1

The first webinar was entitled “Flicking the Switch: Integration Drives Greater Regulatory Efficiency” and was presented by Jennifer Webstrom. 

Here are some key points from the webinar:

  • CSC’s was primarily driven by technology (that is – what is required to make sure that their products would run on the latest, and upcoming, technology platforms).
    Approximately 18 months ago they decided to change to focus more on how they can solve business problems that their customers were having.
  • They want to be the go-to company for regulatory submissions.
    Or, to quote their mission statement, they want to…

Provide end to end business solutions for processes involving the creation, review, approval, consumption & exchange of regulated and mission critical documents and content within a Life Sciences organization

  • With the recent acquisition of ISI, CSC offer tools that allow for end-to-end regulatory information management process. These include:
    • Tracker  
    • Assembly Planner
    • FirstDoc or FirstPoint
    • eCDTXPress
    • Publisher
    • Viewer
  • These applications are, currently, disparate applications, but CSC are working to integrate these tools so that they share a common data model, have the same interface, and (ultimately) will be “aware” of the other tools, in the sense that operations in one tool trigger certain “pre-emptive” actions in the other tools.
  • The integration roadmap includes the following:
    • ensure that Publisher, eCDTXpress, FirstDoc, and Viewer work together
    • release of Tracker – integrated with Viewer
    • release of Assembly Planner – integrated with Tracker

Strategy Analysis

This had to happen. Providing an application, or a collection applications, that allow users to perform specific tasks is one thing, but to have a truly integrated suite of tools that can work together, is another. Users do not want to have to “think” about what they are doing. They just want to be able to complete a task, in the most efficient way they can, without having to consider the different interfaces that they need to work with, or the different processes that they have to follow for each application they use.

By changing their focus from one of technology to one that is more on the business challenges that pharmaceuticals companies face, means that CSC can streamline the whole regulatory submission process so that there is as little “pain” as possible.

And, naturally, if they can achieve this, they do help to position themselves in the market as the “one-stop shop” that they want to be.

The other webinars

As mentioned above, there are three webinars in which CSC are describing their new “Total Regulatory Solution”. The other webinars are:

  • Data in the Sky: Finding Flexible Solutions in the Cloud
  • Clearing the Path to Innovation: Exploring Total Regulatory Outsourcing

I plan to write posts on these as well.

Reference sites

  • CSC’s Life Sciences: CSC Total Regulatory Solution Webinar Series
  • Webinar 1 – download site

FirstDoc, FirstPoint, NextDocs – a “rough notes” comparison

21 CFR 11 Compliance evaluationA reader has recently asked if I had any information on the differences between FirstDoc, FirstPoint and NextDocs.

To do a full feature-for-feature comparison of all the solutions is not something that I can easily do.  However I have been able to get my hands on some great documentation, and can put together a “rough notes” comparison of the three solutions with regards to the core system, and how each solution complies with 21 CFR Part 11.

Note – this is version 2 of this post. After publishing the initial version, one of the vendors was able to provide me with a later version of their compliance statements. The table below has been updated as well as the Comparison PDF that can be downloaded. This is marked as Version 2. The link in the references still links back to the original compliance statement.

Important Note 1:

The FDA regulation, 21 CFR Part 11, is often update and modified. The documentation that I was able to find from CSC, and NextDocs appears to have been created at different times. As a result – I found some “discrepancies” between them. Sometimes the wording in the material I had, didn’t match the current version of the regulations. However, the “intent” is still the same.

Important Note 2:

I do not claim to be an expert in 21 CFR 11. Nor do I claim to be an expert in each of the different platforms/applications described in this post. I will list my references at the bottom this, but I make 2 recommendations:

  1. 21 CFR Part 11 can be interpreted in slightly different ways. Discuss with your internal QAV people what the expectations are.
  2. Make contact with the vendors in question to really determine whether their application fits your requirements.


21 CFR Part 11

To get read what is specifically contained in 21 CFR Part 11, click on this link. This will open the FDA’s “CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21” site.

Product Comparison

Below I have listed each vendors response to each of the regulations outlined in 21 CFR 11.

This was compiled using information that can be found on the Internet. (I include reference links at the bottom of this post, as well as in the PDF.)

However, as mentioned – this is intended merely as a guideline. I encourage you to contact each of the vendors directly to get an updated statements of compliance, as well as information on server configuration/sizing & prerequisite software.

(Note to vendors – if you feel that there are errors, please let me know in the comments, and I will make the necessary corrections).

You can also click HERE to download a PDF version.

FirstDoc, SPX, FirstPoint & NextDocs

Subpart B – Electronic Records
§ 11.10 CONTROLS FOR CLOSED SYSTEMS

21 CRFR 11 Requirement FirstDoc FirstPoint NextDocs
(a) Validation of systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, consistent intended performance, and the ability to discern invalid or altered records. FirstDocis developed in accordance with the CSC LSQMSadvantage™, an ISO 9001:2000 certified Quality Management System.QMSadvantage and FirstDoc have been audited by many pharmaceutical clients. As part of a formal vendor audit, CSC can provide evidence that FirstDoc is developed and tested in accordance with QMSadvantage.FirstDoc has been validated by many clients. CSC offers a validation package (consisting of validation plan, traceability matrix, and IQ/OQ/PQ protocol templates and OQ protocols) with each release of the FDRD, FDQ&M, and FDTMF products. FirstPoint is developed in accordance with the CSC LS QMSadvantage™, an ISO 9001:2000 certified Quality Management System. QMSadvantage™ has been audited by many pharmaceutical clients. As part of a formal vendor audit, CSC can provide evidence that FirstPoint is developed and tested in accordance with QMSadvantage™.FirstPoint is “validation ready” for its clients upon completion of installation and configuration. Full IQ, OQ validation scripts, a PQ template and supporting services available from CSC for interested clients. Validation is ultimately the responsibility of the client as validation can only be performed in the environment in which the software will be used, and against specifications defined by system users.NextDocs offers a validation toolkit to streamline the validation process.The toolkit includes a sample validation master plan and traceability matrix, ready-to-run scripts for IQ and OQ, summary report templates, and sample PQ scripts.NextDocs also has standard professional services packages that include assistance with validation planning, PQ script preparation, and managing PQ script execution and documentation activities.
(b) The ability to generate accurate and complete copies of records in both human readable and electronic form suitable for inspection, review, and copying by the agency. Persons should contact the agency if there are any questions regarding the ability of the agency to perform such review and copying of the electronic records. Documentum will satisfy this requirement in conjunction with a company’s records management policy. Features of Documentum that support generation of accurate and complete copies in human readable form include the generation of PDF renditions and the ability to view and print these renditions in accordance with a system’s defined security rules.Additional support for this requirement is provided by FirstDoc’s automatic PDF rendition generation feature. Each time the content of a document is modified and the modifications checked in, FirstDoc generates a PDF rendition from an approved rendition generation station if the format supports transformation to PDF. Automatic transformation to PDF ensures that all documents will be readable in the foreseeable future. FirstPoint satisfies thisrequirement by managingaccurate and complete copies of files in human readable form with the tight integration with the Microsoft Office Suite of products andthe generation of PDF renditions and the system generated and maintained metadata. The system also provides human readable audit trails and reports. The ability to view and print these files and associated metadatais managedin accordance with a system’s defined security rules.All relevant recordsare maintained in their native file format within a robust MS SQL database and MS SharePoint environment. FirstPoint generates a PDF rendition from an approved rendition generation station, if the format supports transformation to PDF. Automatic transformation to PDF ensures that all documents will be readable into the foreseeable future. Actual generation of records is a client responsibility. NextDocs facilitates generating copies of records by:

  • Viewing records in native electronic format with any computer running one of several supported browsers.
  • Allowing records to be exported by dragging and dropping to any desired file system location
  • Providing sophisticated controlled, uncontrolled and clean copy printing capabilities

 

(c) Protection of records to enable their accurate and ready retrieval throughout the records retention period.
  • Documents may be retained in the system throughout their retention period, or an archiving process developed to store them outside the system. Documentum’s built-in archiving capability can be used to migrate content offline while maintaining metadata in the docbase.
  • FirstDoc uses Documentum’s robust security, which limits the capability for modifying and deleting records to designated users. FirstDoc automatically applies security to Approved documents that prevents them from being deleted or modified.
  • The FirstDoc product also includes an optional Records Management module which implements retention policies and allows deletion of records which have reached the end of their retention periods in accordance with a standard process.
Documentsmay be retained in the system throughout their retention periodthrough the use of a built-inlifecycle management system.FirstPoint applies robust security across the entirelifecycle, which prevents and limits approved or historical records from being deleted or modified except by specifically designated users. A document restore feature is available to the system administrator that allows for the retrieval of deleted records.All FirstPoint content is retained for retrieval until some business rule criteria has been meet to trigger the destruction. Records retention fun includes the ability to purge specific cycles of minor or major versions at the Library Level and purge working comments and draft comments after a specified retention period. NextDocs systems automatically “lock down” official versions of documents so that they cannot be deleted or modified without following system configurable change control procedures.
(d) Limiting system access to authorized individuals.
  • The underlying Documentum application implements a secure username and encrypted password (generally the network password) to limit access to authorized individuals.
  • FirstDoc augments Documentum security by providing automatic application of a client’s defined security scheme. Users cannot modify security outside of the rules defined by the client.
  • FirstPoint provides a secure username and encrypted password for all users in addition to the network access/password system.
  • FirstPoint augments the SharePoint basic Library level security by allowing permission sets to be applied based on any metadata in the system. This allows for content to have a more granular security model based on role, site, project, product etc, and allows for confidential documents to have a restricted access permission set.
  • FirstPoint also provides application level rights to system and business administration function such as setting up workflow and other business rules templates.
In general, an SOP is needed to define the roles and responsibilities for the administration and maintenance of the groups and users for the system and/or network permissions. Access to NextDocscan be controlled by configuration. Securitycan be configured to use Active Directory or Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services accounts or accounts created within SharePoint. Internal users with on-premises deploymentscan access NextDocs applications through single sign-on without requiringadditional system login unless performing a signature related action in the system.Alternatively, if a client’s Part 11 interpretation requires explicit sign-onto access the system, single sign-oncan be disabled. Internal users with hosted deployments access NextDocs applications by providing a user name and password.External users access NextDocs applications by providing a user name and password. Depending on a client’s security set-up, Virtual Private Network (VPN) access may be required as well.
(e) Use of secure, computer-generated, time-stamped audit trails to independently record the date and time of operator entries and actions that create, modify, or delete electronic records. Record changes shall not obscure previously recorded information. Such audit trail documentation shall be retained for a period at least as long as that required for the subject electronic records and shall be available for agency review and copying.
  • FirstDoc uses the Documentum audit trail capability augmented by audit trail entries produced for custom FirstDoc events. Example events include checkin, save, destroy, status change and user acknowledgements, such as review and approval outcome — including electronic signature. Since the audit trail must be maintained for the life of the record, Documentum’s Purge Audit Trail capability should not be used unless the audit trail has been migrated offline as controlled by a client’s SOP. Note: This assumes that the approved record is the electronic record. Audit trail entries for draft, minor versions of records can be deleted using the FirstDoc purge minor version functionality if the clients’ policies dictate.
  • FirstDoc provides thecapability for authorized users to change document metadata on approved records. In this case, an audit trail entry captures the previously recorded values so they are not obscured.
    • SharePoint records all events that occur on documents, the time and date of the and the username of individual (or system account) performing the action.
    • FirstPoint also provides a preconfigured, system generated audit trail report for each document that records the date/time of all critical events that occur during the entire of the document or record from creation, review and approval.
      The username of the individual (or system account) who invoked each action during the history of the document is also shown in the audit trail report.
      Information pertaining to previous document will continue to be displayed in the audit trail report, even as new versions of the document are created.
    • The audit trail report is presented as a single viewable and printable file.
    • The audit trail report is systematically generated, and cannot be overwritten or otherwise modified by any user.
NextDocs records:

  • Record modification events including check-in and check-out.
  • Move, copy, delete and undelete events.
  • Electronic/Digital Signature events.
  • Lifecycle promotions and demotions
  • Workflow events
  • Permission changes
  • Record viewing (configurable).

Audit trail entries include event, user name and server-based time/date stamp. Local time/date stamps can also be configured if desired.

Audit trail records are retained indefinitely unless manually purged from the system.

NextDocs also provides access to and copying of the audit trail. The audit trail can be saved to Excel with a single click for advanced sorting, filtering and analysis.

(f) Use of operational system checks to enforce permitted sequencing of steps and events, as appropriate. These checksare implemented within a number of system functions. They include client-defined control over:

  1. Enforcing the use of approved templates only in creating documents
  2. Limiting property values to predefined dictionary lists wherever possible
  3. Requiring entry of mandatory attributes
  4. Enforcing storage in a pre-defined hierarchy (cabinet/folder structure)
  5. Enforcing a defined document lifecycle and approval process
  6. Ensuring that all required electronic signatures are obtained (if electronic signatures are used)
These checks areimplemented within a number of system functions. They include client control over:

  • The use of approved templates in creating documents/records.
  • Predefined metadata dictionary lists which structure dependent valid choices.
  • Enforcement of mandatory metadata fields where required.
  • Enforcing a defined document lifecycle requiring a specific, defined review and approval process via document workflow
  • Enforcing the review and approval of the PDF rendition of the document, since that is generally considered to be the approved electronic record
  • Ensuring that all required electronic signatures or electronic approvals are obtained using systematic participant selection and voting rules.

 

These checksare implemented ina number of areas. Some examples include:

  • Ensuring that documents follow a defined lifecycle
  • Ensuring that workflows are used when needed to move a document through its lifecycle
  • Ensuring that documents are properly set up to display digital signatures before they can be signed
  • Ensuring that all required signatures are collected before a document is approved
  • Ensuring that documents meet requirements such as having a valid PDF rendition before becoming approved or effective
  • Ensuring that all required metadata is entered for a document
  • Enforcing the use of approved templates for authoring
  • Limiting pick lists to appropriate values when creating or modifying document properties
(g) Use of authority checks to ensure that only authorized individuals can use the system, electronically sign a record, access the operation or computer system input or output device, alter a record, or perform the operation at hand. These checksare implemented within a number of system functions. They include client-defined control over authorization for:

  • Document creation
  • Document access (delete, write, read, etc.) (via ACL security)
  • Changing status
  • Initiating and participating in the review and approval process
  • Signing documents (if electronic signatures are used)
  • Establishing document relations including change request relationships
  • Performing various types of business administration functions including dictionary maintenance, training record control, etc.
A series of authority checksare implemented within system functions. They include the following client defined controls:

  • Network access with unique ID and password controlled at the operating system level.
  • The SharePoint permission model controls document security at the Library (a collection of documents) and for draft versus approved documents.
  • FirstPoint enhances this security model which allows additional security layers to be implemented based on document metadata. This is useful for documents required restricted, confidential controls.
  • Documents that are part of a workflow process receive enhanced security in that only those selected participants have access to the in progress document.
  • System configuration, maintenance and other types of business administration functions are accessed only by those individuals with specific access rights.

 

These checksare implemented ina number of areas. Some examples include limiting the following to authorized users:

  • Modifying a document’s content or properties
  • Initiating or participating in workflows
  • Applying digital/electronic signatures
  • Modifying system configurations
  • Generating controlled or uncontrolled copy prints
  • Modifying essential information, such as study investigators
  • Approving requests for system access
(h) Use of device (e.g., terminal) checks to determine, as appropriate, the validity of the source of data input or operational instruction. This requirement in general does not apply to FirstDoc since the system does not have any functionality where information is valid only when entered from specific terminals. If a specific client has this requirement, CSC will address the requirement for that client. This requirement in general does FirstPoint since the system does not have any functionality where information is valid only when entered only from specific terminals. If a specific client has this requirement, CSC will address the requirement for that client. This requirement does not apply to NextDocs since the system does not have any functionality where information is valid only when entered from specific terminals.
(i) Determination that persons who develop, maintain, or use electronic record/electronic signature systems have the education, training, and experience to perform their assigned tasks.
  • CSC maintains resumes and training records on all team members.
  • CSC provides training to key client team members including business users, business administrators, and system administrators.
  • Upon request, CSC can provide developer training to non-CSC developers employed by the client.
  • CSC maintains resumes and training records for all its team members.
  • CSC will also help generate training records to track any training it provides to the client’s personnel.
NextDocs maintains resumes and training records s to provide evidence that our employees who develop and deploy our software are trained and qualified to do so.NextDocs also provides client-specific training documentation to help our clients comply with this requirement. We also offer end user training, train-the-trainer training and administrator training.
(j) The establishment of, and adherence to, written policies that hold individuals accountable and responsible for actions initiated under their electronic signatures, in order to deter record and signature falsification. N/A This requirement is not applicable at a system level but requires a procedure to be implemented by the client. Client responsibility
(k) Use ofappropriate controls over systems documentation including:(1) Adequate controls overthe distribution of, access to, and use of documentation for system operation and maintenance.(2) Revision and change control procedures to maintain an audit trail that documents time-sequenced development and modification of systems documentation. Electronic audit trail for the appropriate document types must be enabled if documentation is maintained in electronic format.
  • CSC will provide the client copies or access to system documentation corresponding to the licensing agreement and version of the product.
  • CSC maintains a strict version and change control methodology for its product, product related documentation and training materials.

 

NextDocs’s documentationis maintained in our configuration management system and available for review during audits.However, ultimately it is the client’s responsibility to control system documentation in their environment.NextDocs’ release notes describe the names and versions of documentation that apply to each product release. In addition, each client receives documentation specific to their NextDocs implementation.
§ 11.30 Controls for Open Systems. Same as § 11.10 plus document encryption and use of appropriate digital signature standards to ensure, as necessary under the circumstances, record authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • If the system is judged to be an open system, it would require encryption and digital signature standards. This is not part of FirstDoc and can be contracted as an option if needed.
CSC believes the FirstPoint products are a closed system so section 11.30 is not applicable. NextDocs systems that are hosted may be considered open based on the specific circumstances and the client’s 21 CFR Part 11 interpretation. The use of digital signature is available in all NextDocs products to fulfill the additional requirements imposed on open systems.

Subpart B – Electronic Records
§ 11.70 SIGNATURE/RECORD LINKING

21 CFR 11 Regulation FirstDoc FirstPoint NextDocs
Electronic signatures and handwritten signatures executed to electronic records shall be linked to their respective electronic records to ensure that the signatures cannot be excised, copied, or otherwise transferred to falsify an electronic record by ordinary means.
  • Signature information is stored as document properties.
  • Signature information is also displayed as non-editable properties on the Properties screen.
  • • Signaturesare removed when a documentis edited, copied, or otherwise modified.
    • Electronic signatures can only be applied to a documentrecord through the administrator-configured workflow process and the proper execution of approval rules.
    • The signature page is fused to the PDF rendition of the document and cannot be excised from the document.
    • Signature information is also retained as non-editable data in the database and is displayed in the document’s audit trail report.
    • When a document is revised or copied, the signature page is removed from the new version of the document.
Signatures are bound directly to a specific version of a document.NextDocs digital signaturesare based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and are a result of a cryptographic operation that guarantees signer authenticity, data integrity and non-repudiation of signed documents. The digital signature cannot be copied, tampered or altered.Digital signatures appearing in a document automatically appear as invalid when the document changes in any way.During change control the signature is removed for the draft version in anticipation of future approval and signing.

Subpart C – Electronic Signatures
§ 11.100 General requirements.

21 CFR 11 Regulation FirstDoc FirstPoint NextDocs
(a) Each electronic signature shall be unique to one individual and shall not be reused by, or reassigned to, anyone else.
  • The client will need an SOP on establishing and maintaining user profiles as applied to the assigning of a unique ID code/password combination to only one individual and maintaining a list of user profile information in perpetuity.
  • Documentum can assist with this via the ability to disable (rather than delete) users who are removed from the system. By leaving the users in the system, but disabling them, re-use of their user IDs will not be possible.
  • The network operating system ensures a unique userid which is used to execute the electronic signature.
    FirstPoint allows the administrator to lockout or disable accounts, as well as delete users from the system.
Since NextDocs is generally implemented such that user credentialsare supplied via Active Directory (or Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services), complianceis built in.Active Directory willensure that a user name cannot be re-used within a given domain, andprovide the ability to disable (rather thandelete) users whoare removed from the system. By maintaining a record ofprevious users, reuse of user IDswill not be possible.NextDocs signatures authenticate the content of documents by attributing the signer to the signed document. Every signer is identified by an issued certificate (or by that of an external trusted entity). This identification is based on the fact that the user is a recognized employee in the organization.
(b) Before an organization establishes, assigns, certifies, or otherwise sanctions an individual’s electronic signature, or any element of such electronic signature, the organization shall verify the identity of the individual. The client will need SOPs on establishing and maintaining user profiles as applied to the verification of a user identity. This requirement needs to be met with a client’s business processes. CSC can help establish work instructions or training procedures to assist with the on-boarding process Client Responsibility
(c) Persons using electronic signatures shall,prior to or at the time of such use, certify to the agency that the electronic signatures in their system, used on or after August 20, 1997,are intendedto be the legally bindingequivalent of traditional handwritten signatures.

  1. The certification shall be submitted in paper form and signed with a traditional handwritten signature, to the Office of Regional Operations (HFC-100), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.
  2. . Persons using electronic signatures shall, upon agency request, provide additional certification or testimony that a specific electronic signature is the legally binding equivalent of the signer’s handwritten signature.

 

  • The client will need to submit a letter to the FDA certifying that they consider electronic signatures are the legally binding equivalent to handwritten signatures.
  • The client will need SOPs on establishing and maintaining user profiles showing that a given individual accepts that the electronic signature is the legally binding equivalent of handwritten signatures.
  • This requirement needs to be met with a client’s business processes.
Client Responsibility

Subpart C – Electronic Signatures
11.200 Electronic signature components and controls.

21 CFR 11 Regulation FirstDoc FirstPoint NextDocs
(a) Electronic signatures that are not based upon biometricsshall:(1) Employ at least two distinct identification components such as an identification code and password.(i) When an individual executes a series of signings during a single, continuous period of controlled system access, the first signing shall be executed using all electronic signature components; subsequent signings shall be executed using at least one electronic signature component that is only executable by, and designed to be used only by, the individual.(ii) When an individual executes one or more signings not performed during a single, continuous period of controlled system access, each signing shall be executed using all of the electronic signature components.

(2) Be used only by their genuine owners; and

(3) Be administered and executed to ensure that attempted use of an individual’s electronic signature by anyone other than its genuine owner requires collaboration of two or more individuals.

NoteContact CSC directly for their comments on how FirstDoc meets this regulation.  FirstPoint incorporates the user’s network account and password for general access to the system, which is also used for electronic signature approval. FirstPoint requires the re-entry of both identification components (user ID and password) each time an electronic signature is executed.. Each time a signature is applied, both a user name and password are required.NextDocs supports a configurable automatic time-out during periods of system inactivity. This time-out will also end a user’s continuous and controlled access to the system.
  • (b) Electronic signatures based upon biometrics shall be designed to ensure that they cannot be used by anyone other than their genuine owners.
FirstDoc can support the use of biometric solutions through customizations. Customizations for biometrics are not in the scope of this document. FirstPoint can support the  use of biometric solutions through customizations. Customizations for biometrics are not in the scope of this document. NA – Biometrics are not used by NextDocs.

Subpart C – Electronic Signatures
§ 11.300 CONTROLS FOR IDENTIFICATION CODES/PASSWORDS
Persons who use electronic signatures based upon the use of identification codes in combination with passwords shall employ controls to ensure their security and integrity. Such controls shall include:

21 CFR 11 Regulation

FirstDoc

FirstPoint

NextDocs

(a) Maintaining the uniqueness of each combined identification code and password, such that no two individuals have the same combination of identification code and password.
  • Documentum and Unix/Windows Server will provide most of this functionality. See Item § 11.10 (a).
  • The client will need an SOP on establishing and maintaining user profiles.
  • The client’s network user authentication methodology provides this functionality.
See item § 11.100 (a).
(b) Ensuring that identification code and password issuances are periodically checked, recalled, or revised (e.g., to cover such events as password aging).
  • Both Trusted Unix and Windows Server can be used to require periodic aging of passwords.
  • The client will need an SOP on establishing and maintaining user profiles.
  • The client’s network user authentication and password encryption methodology provides this function
This is a client responsibility, generally achieved through settings in Active Directory. Windows and Active Directory infrastructure can enforce password policy for complexity and expiration. Windows integrated authentication and Basic authentication can leverage this automatically.
(c) Following loss management procedures to electronically deauthorize lost, stolen, missing, or otherwise potentially compromised tokens, cards, and other devices that bear or generate identification code or password information, and to issue temporary or permanent replacements using suitable, rigorous controls.
  • The client will need an SOP covering loss management for passwords.
  • If devices are used, the client must have an SOP covering loss management.
  • NA
NextDocs does not make use of tokens, cards, and other devices that bear or generate identification code or password information.Windows and Active Directory administrators can deactivate users, change users’ passwords, or require users to change passwords after issuing a temporary password. Windows integrated authentication and Basic authentication can leverage this automatically
(d) Use of transaction safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of passwords and/or identification codes, and to detect and report in an immediate and urgent manner any attempts at their unauthorized use to the system security unit, and, as appropriate, to organizational management.
  • Both Trusted Unix and Windows Server can be used to disable user accounts after a configurable number of unsuccessful attempts.
  • The client will need an SOP containing the procedure for reactivating accounts.
  • The client’s network user authentication methodology provides this functionality.
  • Windows can disable user accounts after a configurable number of unsuccessful attempt
This is a client responsibility, generally achieved through settings in Active Directory.The Microsoft Windows family of products can audit logon changes and failed attempts. Group policy can enforce account lockout policy to help to prevent brute force password guessing. Lockout policy is based on failed attempts for a time window and users can be locked out for specified times before they can attempt again (or not).
(e) Initial and periodic testing of devices, such as tokens or cards, that bear or generate identification code or password information to ensure that they function properly and have not been altered in an unauthorized manner.
  • If such devices are used, the client must have such a policy in place.
  • NA
NextDocs does not make use of tokens, cards, and other devices that bear or generate identification code or password information.


Audit Trail Functionality

Audit Trails is an included feature in FirstDoc. Documentum has its own audit trail capabilities, with FirstDoc adding on to Documentum’s audit trail system. Table 3 discusses the Audit Trails functionality that FirstDoc provides in support of 21 CFR Part 11.

Subpart C – Electronic Signatures
§ 11.10(E),(K)(2) AUDIT TRAIL

21 CFR 11 Regulation FirstDoc FirstPoint NextDocs
(a) Use of secure, computergenerated, time-stamped audit trails to independently record the date and time of operator entries and actions that create, modify, or delete electronic records. Record changes shall not obscure previously recorded information. Such audit trail documentation shall be retained for a period at least as long as that required for the subject electronic records and shall be available for agency review and copying.
  • • FirstDoc uses the Documentum audit trail capability augmented by audit trail entries produced for custom FirstDoc events. Example events include check-in, save, destroy, status change and user acknowledgements, such as review and approval outcome — including electronic signature.
  • • Since the audit trail must be maintained for the life of the record, Documentum’s Purge Audit Trail capability should not be used unless the audit trail has been migrated offline as controlled by a client’s SOP. Note: This assumes that the approved record is the electronic record. Audit trail entries for draft, minor versions of records can be deleted using the FirstDoc purge minor version functionality if the clients’ policies dictate.
  • • FirstDoc provides the capability for authorized users to change document metadata on approved records. In this case, an audit trail entry captures the previously recorded values so they are not obscured.
(b) Use of appropriate controls over systems documentation including: 1. Adequate controls over the distribution of, access to and use of documentation for system operation and maintenance. 2. Revision and change control procedures to maintain an audit trail that documents time-sequenced development and modification of systems documentation.
  • • Electronic audit trail for the appropriate document types must be enabled if documentation is maintained in electronic format.

References

CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
(http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?cfrpart=11)

21 CFR Part 11 Compliance Position for FirstDoc Applications
(https://developer-content.emc.com/marketplace/collateral/white_papers/CSC_FirstDoc21CFRComplianceWhitePaper.pdf)

21 CFR Part 11 Compliance Position for FirstPoint
(http://download.microsoft.com/documents/France/Entreprises/2010/CSCFirstPointLivreBlancAnglais.pdf)

21 CFR Part 11 Challenges and Solutions – NextDocs
(http://www.nextdocs.com/en-us/White%20Papers/WhitePaper-21CFR11.pdf)

21CFR11 Comparison of FirstDoc, FirstPoint & NextDocs
(http://markjowen.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/21cfr11_compliance-comparison_v21.pdf)

How does FirstDoc “do” 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

21_CFR_Part_11_compliant

CSC have published (not recently) a whitepaper about the capabilities that FirstDoc products provide for compliance with the FDA’s ruling on Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures (fondly known in the Pharma industry as “21 CFR Part 11”).

The whitepaper is a good one. It starts off with a recap of what is contained in 21 CFR Part 11, and then does an itemised breakdown of the capabilities that the FirstDoc products have to meet the compliance requirements.

You can download it here.

21 CFR Part 11 Compliance Position for FirstDoc Applications

Related Post: FirstDoc, FirstPoint, NextDocs – a “rough notes” comparison

SPX Series – A little bit of history

This is part of the SPX Series

Previous post: SPX Series – SharePoint eXperience – (aka SPX) – Series Introduction

First off – I want to explain that I am, in no shape or form, an SPX “expert”. I’m just a guy who has been using SPX since it was first released. I’m not a coder, so can’t tell you all the cool ways that the web parts can be tweaked, or made to dance. I am able to share with you some of the “lessons learned”, and tips . that I have picked up over time. Some of what I write might be incorrect. Please feel free to let me know if that is the case.

And, where possible, if there are other resources that explain something better than I can, I’ll point you to it.

So without further delay I will launch into today’s SPX post…”A little bit of history“.

SharePoint

In 2007 Microsoft introduced SharePoint 2007.

As well as providing the ability to store content in its own repositories (doclibs, lists), it also provided web sites that could be populated with web parts that allowed users to interact with internal content (lists and SharePoint repositories), as well as external content. This included other LOB enterprise systems (such as SAP, Siebel, etc). There was no native way to connect SharePoint and Documentum though.

  • Business Data Catalog: Overview
  • Business Data Catalog: Architecture
  • Interoperability Scenarios and Technologies for SharePoint Server 2007

Wingspan

A company called Wingspan had also developed technology that provided Web Services connectivity to Documentum.  This consists of the Docway Server, and Docway “Portlets”, (and for SharePoint – Webparts), and allowed for single sign-on,  cross-docbase browsing, as well as the ability for users to access, create & update content from a Portal.

  • http://www.wingspan.com/products/docway-web-parts/

SPX

CSC’s FirstDoc, provides a layer that sits on top of Documentum, and allows for compliance with many of the Pharmaceutical regulatory requirements imposed by the various regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA,  MHRA, etc.)

Using Wingspans technology, CSC (or, at the time, FCG), were able to create special webparts that allowed users to interact with their FirstDoc system from a SharePoint Portal. These offered about 85% percent of the functionality provided by the native FirstDoc application.

4.3

The first version was released in the 2nd half of 2007, and had the moniker “version 4.3“. This was to keep the version inline with the (then current) version of FirstDoc. It was compatiable with version 5.3 of Documentum.

There were 17 webparts available. These included webparts for browsing cabinets, listing the logged-on users checked-out documents, displaying the Home Cabinet, an inbox webpart, an very handy object-view webpart that could be configured to display one particular folder, or cabinet), an also handy query-view webpart that allowed content to be displayed based on a query, as well as an assortment of other functional webparts, and administration webparts.

Each web part offered a user the ability to further interact with an object via a context menu that showed extra functionality depending on the type of object that was clicked upon.

This first version was an excellent step towards greater flexibility in creating interfaces for users that better matched their daily work style. For the 80% of users who rarely log into FirstDoc, it provided a quick and easy way to get to specific documents. Links to specific documents could be sent via e-mail, and when a user clicked on it, the document would automatically be opened, without having to go through a process of logging into a client and searching for a document.

But there were also several shortcomings. There was the 20% of hard-core users that quickly discovered that there was still a lot of functionality that was not available. Also the SPX interface did not offer the same flexibility that WebTop did. You couldn’t easily change the columns that you wanted displayed, the search functionality when compared to the WebTop search was very limited, and the way of interacting with the documents was different. The context menu was not found in WebTop.  Performance was also a bit sluggish especially when using the webparts over a WAN.

To be fair, CSC were also restrained by the limitations of the underlying Docway technology.
(However, Wingspan have been making continual improvements to their technology and CSC have been able to take advantage of this).

5.0

CSC listened to the concerns that the hard core users (as well as the administrators) were having. Version 5.0 of SPX was released in the middle of 2008, with Product Alias Search functionality, the ability to limit search results, and also the ability to add multiple documents to a workflow. Version 5.0 was also compatible with Documentum 6.0

6.0

Then later that year, version 6.0 was released. This was based on Documentum 6.5, and an upgraded version of Docway(6.1). It had been designed to be backwards compatible (with configuration, it could work with version 4.3 of FirstDoc). This allowed SPX to work over multiple docbases of different versions. As well as this, the Inbox and Query webparts were tweaked so that values could be automatically passed on the URL. Menu selection was made configurable. A quicklink capability was added that allows a link to be configured that will launch FirstDoc functionality, and the ability to View Relationships, and Audit Trail reports was added.

6.1

Then, in the later part of 2009, version 6.1 was released with even more functionality – Virtual Documents could now be viewed, multiple files could be imported, a new :”My Views” webpart was available, as well as the ability to view the Workflow Status report. Importing related documents was now, also possible. A version 6.1.1. was also released but this was a correction to a limitation that was previously believed to be uncorrectable.

6.2

In 2010, version 6.2 and 6.2.1 were released. The only difference was that 6.2.1 was certified for use with SharePoint 2010. Both versions also used Docway 7.0.  And there was a bundle of new features and functionality. These included: the ability to register interest, the availability of the WebTop Search app as a webpart, a single-box search (“Google-like”), Saved Searches, the ability to display custom properties in the web parts, clipboard tools, subscription notifications, as well as other functionality.

Future

CSC are working on the next release of  SPX, and it looks like they’ll be adding even more functionality to close the gap between SPX and WebTop.

FirstDoc doesn’t have its own client application – it extends the functionality of the EMC Documentum native client – “WebTop”. EMC has announced that they will be phasing out this out sometime soon.  As a result CSC are dedicated to ensuring that SPX is ready to be a replacement.

So – that’s the end of my “A little bit of history” post. If have made mistakes anywhere, please feel free to let me know.

SPX Series – SharePoint eXperience – (aka SPX) – Series Introduction

This is part of the SPX Series

Hands up those of you who know what SPX is an acronym for.  (Hint – the answer is in the title of this post.)

SPX is the technology that CSC have that allows users, from a SharePoint interface, to interact with documents in a FirstDoc-Documentum system. (And, if you didn’t know – FirstDoc is a CSC’s Life Sciences compliance layer that sits on top of Documentum.) The technology consists of specially constructed web parts and a back-end Docway web server that acts as a “translator” for communication between the web parts and the Documentum server.

In fact, if you look at Andrew Chapman’s list of Reference Models, the SPX web parts would be the 3rd model listed.

Now – I have been working with SharePoint eXperience (SPX) technology for a while now – ever since the first version. I’ve been involved on a technical level as a customer. (That is, someone who has actually had to use the technology in a real-business environment to meet real-world requirements.)

As such, I thought it might be a good idea to start a series of posts on what the technology can do, along with some best practices. Here is a list of the things I will cover:

  • Overview – what SPX is, etc.
  • Best Practices – what are some of the best ways to configure/use SPX
  • Some of the issues that I have had to deal with
  • Anything else that I can think of.

Feedback from Readers is always great to receive, so if you feel that you have a question, or a suggestion, and I can answer it, I’ll certainly do my best.

Next post: SPX Series – A little bit of history

FirstDoc User Group 2011 – a look back at the conference – Part 2

Previous PostFirstDoc User Group 2011 – a look back at the conference – Part 1

In Part 1 of the FDUG 2011 series, I described the location of the meeting, and gave an overview of CSC’s plan and strategies. In Part 2, I’ll talk about the rest of the conference.

Going thin

After the break, two of the Pharma companies gave a presentation on a project that they were each involved with to upgrade their document management system.

I’m not at liberty to discuss the details, but it is obvious that the drivers in the pharmaceutical world are the same as in any other business. Namely,

  • Try and get as much functionality out of a product without writing customized code.
  • Aim to increase the useability of a solution
  • Make use of “thin” technology – (Portals).

The business cases presented described how CSC technology was being used to allow these goals to be met.  Always interesting to see, as this is a common theme.

Partnership Program

In the session  CSC described their “Partner Program” plans.

CSC’s goal here is to “put more effort into Partnerships to increase their usefulness.”  That is, with a good network of “CSC Partners”, CSC can meet client requirements, be able to offer more, and be more responsive (i.e. have more resources available) .

Companies that partner with CSC will fall into of three areas: Technology; Sales; Solution. Each area has its own “model” and KPIs that need to be met to be able to retain their status. “Customer Satisfaction” being the most important.

The message was that CSC want to seriously lift their game here. This will include certification, KPIs, working with the Partners to bring over a “unified” message.

Certification

As mentioned, CSC will be offering a certification program.

This will be made up of 4-tiered capabilities (Installation, Configuration, Customization, and Architecture). CSC are looking at some type of “boot camp” experience where individuals attend a week long course for each capability. This will be followed by several weeks of “shadowing” on client projects.

The fact that CSC mention this, signals that they want to set a standard that people that partner with them will meet. Which is encouraging. The “certification” is for the individual (that is, it’s not transferable to other people at the Partnersite).

Curious to see how this one will pan out.

Total Regulatory Solution

In the keynote presentation, there was mention of CSC’s “Total Regulatory Solution”.

Jennifer Wemstrom (who flew over to this year’s European FDUG) presented CSC’s overview of their “Total Regulatory Solution”.

Underpinning this is CSC’s aim to provide the “Total Business Solution” that supports the creation, management and consumption of regulatory documentation in the Life Sciences industry.

In simple words, CSC have got all the tools (especially since their acquisition of ISI and their Publishing tools) to achieve this, but the tools are still disparate applications. CSC’s goal is that all these disparate systems will be unified. They will have a common interface, and a use a shared data model.

This is definitely the right move. In my years as a ECM specialist I have seen companies grow through the acquisition of other companies that offer a solution that compliments, or even enhances, the parent companies offerings. The next logical step is to integrate the applications that make up the suite so that the user is presented with a seamless “solution”.

At the same time CSC seem to be actively investigating offering more than just a suite of technical products. They have realised that they have a lot of skill and knowledge in this area, and are talking about Business Process Outsourcing, and offering their Total Regulatory Solution as a managed service. (This ties in with CSC’s goal to dive into the cloud.)

New Product Offerings

CSC realise that there are still a few “gaps” in their offering. They are busy with  three new products. These are all to do with the submission end of the process. It looks like CSC are really listening to their customers.

Business Process Outsourcing

In this area CSC have three offerings:

  • Staff Augmentation – where CSC staff will work “side by side” with the customer;
  • Tactical Outsourcing – where CSC will handle specific aspects of the regulatory process.
  • Functional Outsourcing of regulatory activity.

As mentioned above, CSC definitely want to make good use of the skills & experience they have built up, and want to expand into offering services rather than just technology.

To back this up, CSC described how they will be tackling staff training (resource development). They have three levels which includes a sort of “orientation/induction” level, “core training” for regulatory activities, and then, “client specific training” which addresses the activities that a client has outsourced to CSC.

Managed Services

CSC have a series of Managed Service Models. These include the traditional models of “on premise” or “hosted” through to “As a service” which includes “Dedicated”, “Private Cloud”, and “Public Cloud”.  A flavor to suit all requirements.

FirstDocs 6.3

Bill Meier spent some time discussing the CSC’s latest version of FirstDoc (version 6.3) which include a large number of enhancements.

A few of the high points include the fact that this version will be certified on Linux.

…continued in Part 3

Next Post: FirstDoc User Group 2011 – a look back at the conference – Part 3

FirstDoc User Group 2011 – a look back at the conference – Part 1

Previous Post: FDUG – Europe – Review of the Agenda

In this post I discuss the recently held 2011 FirstDoc User Group conference. Because there was so much content I am doing this in multiple posts.

Location and Venue

As described in my earlier post, this year’s FDUG was held in Vienna. At the end of each FDUG Conference , the organizers ask the attendees where they would like the next one to be held. Vienna came up on the list two years ago as a favourite, and clearly made its way to the top of the list. Not a bad choice.

The conference was held at the Marriott Hotel. The conference rooms were great, and the catering was superb. The breakfast available at the beginning of each day was an excellent idea!

Attendees

Pharma Customers

There was a lot of people at this years user group. There were 53 attendees, representing 21 of CSC’s 47 Pharma customers.

CSC Team

  • Marty Magazzolo – Global Practice Director, ECCM Life Sciences
  • Paul Attridge – Head of Life Sciences ECCM Product Development
  • Jennifer Wemstrom – Director, Regulatory Solutions
  • Bill Meier – FirstDoc Product Manager
  • Franciska Darmer – Life Sciences Solution Specialist
  • Christopher Langebner – Senior Account Executive
  • Steve Scrace – Senior Account Executive
  • Pablo Santiago – Manager, CSC Spain
  • Rober Svanetti – Life Sciences Manager, CSC Italy
  • Tobia Griessel – Account Executive, CSC Germany

Sessions

In my last FDUG post I talked about the proposed agenda. Fortunately there weren’t many changes.

You can view the agenda here.

KeyNote & Strategy Update

After a warm welcome by Bill Meier,  the Conference kicked off with the KeyNote.

Marty Magazzolo, the Global Practice Director, took to the stage and gave an update on CSC’s strategy, as well as describing a little bit of the original goal of their purchase of FCG. Namely, it was to “be more inline with their customers’ business needs than rather being a pure IT vendor” (Even though in quotes, the previous statement is, most likely not exact, but gets the same message across.)

Business – CSC nows considers itself a “Global Technology and Business Services Company”, and operates in three lines of business:

  • Business Solutions & Services
  • Managed Services Sector
  • North American Public Sector

Software Strategy – With it’s recent acquisition of ISI, CSC now has a range of products that allow it to offer “Total Business Solutions”.

In fact their Mission Statement is:

Provide end to end business solutions for processes involving the creation, review, approval, consumption & exchange of regulated and mission critical documents and content within a Life Sciences organization

To achieve this, CSC have created several “Total” solutions – These include one for Regulatory, one for Clinical, and one for Quality. These played a large role in this year’s conference.

At the same time, CSC admitted that the solutions are still made up of disparate systems. The goals for the future are to streamline them so that they use a common interface, a common database structure, and work together seamlessly.

Business Process Outsourcing – CSC feel that they can offer the expertise necessary to handle customer’s regulatory, and other, requirements. A benefit of this outsourcing model is that “skills are sharpened and rotated” allowing their (CSC’s) staff to gain skills in a wide area, and these resources can then be called upon, when necessary, for specific tasks. The cost savings, CSC claim, are seen when you compare to having specialist skills in-house full-time.

Cloud – Paul Attridge said “Everyone’s got a cloud”, and  CSC are also “clouding up” and are looking at offering both private and public cloud service models.

System Integration – CSC’s message was that they intend to create better integration with other products. The goal is to be able to offer solutions to their customers that match the “real world” situation. Even if the solution requires integrating with other ECM related products (and is achieved through partnerships).

CSC are also trying to keeping an eye on the progress of the SAFE-BioPharma® Digital Identity and Signature Standard, to determine whether they will need to offer suitable integration capabilities.

User Interface – CSC add FirstDoc functionality to EMC’s “fat” client for Documentum – WebTop. EMC have announced WebTop is being phased out after Version 7 of Documentum. CSC are working to ensure that their SharePoint web part technology (SPX) will have the same features as offered by WebTop.  At the same time CSC will be investing in creating an interface using EMC’s  rapid application development technology, xCP.  (In fact, EMC have asked CSC to help ensure that version 2.1 of xCP will provide complete content management capabilities.)

This brought us to the end of the Keynote and Strategy session. Before the coffee break Bill Meier shared with us an interesting article he had read over  the effects of coffee – caffeine increase alertness in woman, but, in men, there is a drop in performance and confidence. (This link describes a little of what Bill was talking about).

I will cover the other sessions in a later post.

Next post: FirstDoc User Group 2011 – a look back at the conference – Part 2