Types of Services

With the increasing movement of the industry into advanced project philosophies,
such as Risk-Based Approaches to Commissioning and Qualification and Integrated Commissioning and Qualification,
new challenges present themselves to project teams that are attempting
to adopt the best methodologies while maintaining project commitments and goals.
VALSPEC offers a unique set of Quality Governance Services that serve to ensure just that for our clients.
VALSPEC Quality Governance Services tie together all of the important aspects of a
project so that Quality is built into the processes and methodologies, resulting in:
- Reduction and/or elimination of testing and documentation redundancy associated with typical commissioning and qualification scope
- Successful implementation of Risk-Based testing approaches
- Higher Quality documentation packages from OEM Suppliers
- Reduction in overall system implementation cost
- Schedule compression
Our Quality Governance Team provides the following services to ensure that these results are achieved:
- Create or modify Master Validation Plans and Validation Project Plans to document project methodologies
- Conduct Risk-Based Analysis of systems to determine testing strategy during each phase of the project
- Create a Test Matrix across all system components (hardware, network, software) that identifies the most efficient testing paths
- Define the elimination or significant reduction of redundant testing of the system by leveraging early testing results against qualification requirements; ensuring that early testing results that will be leveraged are documented in a quality manner
- Evaluation of project efficiency and system maintenance tools to determine potential for use on projects; develop project execution methodologies with respect to the use of these tools
- OEM Vendor Management
- » Perform Quality System audits on suppliers
- » Manage Computer Systems Qualification documents for vendor-supplied systems
- » Define elimination or significant reduction of redundant testing of the system by utilizing an appropriate level of vendor documentation outputs as input into qualification requirements
- Facilitate Enhanced Design Review and Team Protocol Reviews
- Ensure compliance with the project plans
- Perform in-process audits
- Develop and maintain Requirements Traceability Matrix
- Develop and maintain change control program
- Implement in-process strategy adjustments as needed

VALSPEC is a Life Sciences industry leader in the application of Risk-Based
approaches to Commissioning and Qualification activities.
VALSPEC specializes in the development of approaches that align
testing practices and documentation with levels of risk in terms of
patient safety, process criticality, project dynamics, and computer
system technologies. These approaches are developed in partnership
with client project teams and with the client quality representatives as appropriate.
The VALSPEC Risk Analysis program incorporates experience from:
- Valspec Experience with similar types of facilities and technologies
- » Criticality assessments
- - System and Component Level
- » Impact assessments
- Broad System Life Cycle expertise
- Industry best practices (FMECA, GAMP risk considerations)
- Client experience
The results of the Risk Analysis are incorporated
into the appropriate Commissioning and Qualification Plans. The results
often include a Test Matrix which documents all required testing steps
for each component of the system (Instrumentation, Process Control
System hardware, network infrastructure and application software) and
maps those testing requirements against the appropriate project phase
(FAT, Commissioning, Qualification). This Test Matrix will dictate what
level of testing will be performed and documented during which project
phase based on the risks identified.
As part of a Risk-Based approach in collaboration with its customers,
VALSPEC regularly leads the development and implementation of
Integrated Commissioning and Qualification (ICQ), resulting in:
- A streamlined project execution work practice
- Elimination of non value-added work
- Integration of Qualification requirements into the Commission Step
- Allows for one single simultaneous execution of Commissioning & Qualification of Direct Impact Systems
- Significant reduction in schedule and cost
Digitally enabled ICQ leverages attributes of digital
technology to further reduce non value-added C&Q project execution
work practice activities through the use of:
- On-screen commissioning and calibration
- Enhanced data integrity
VALSPEC directly employs dozens of trained engineers and consultants
who have expertise in various computer-based systems and all regulatory
requirements and guidelines. We have the expertise to fully commission
and validate your system.
Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:
- Validation Master Plan
- Validation Project Plan
- Risk Assessment Plan
- Quality Assurance Plan
- 21 CFR Part 11 Assessment
- Requirements Traceability Matrix
- Users Requirements Specification
- Functional Requirements Specification
- Detailed Design Specification
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- Site Acceptance Test
- Commissioning Test Plan
- Installation Qualification
- Operational Qualification
- Performance Qualification
- Final Validation Report
- Standard Operating Procedures
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Valspec possesses unparalleled DeltaV Validation Experience

Since 2001, Valspec has provided over 200,000 service hours supporting
the commissioning and qualification (C&Q) of DeltaV Systems in greenfield
facility and facility expansion projects. Valspec is a North American
and Asia Pacific Alliance Partner with Emerson Process Management.
Valspec has executed over 60+ DeltaV validation projects and has
been a critical element of the startup or turnaround of major manufacturing
systems (>3000 I/O) for clients such as Centocor, Wyeth, Merck,
GlaxoSmithKline, Lonza Biologics, and Baxter Healthcare as well as
driving the pilot scale and facility expansion projects (<3000
I/O) for clients including Eisai, PharmEco, Apotex, Xcellerex, and
Sigma-Aldrich.
DeltaV System Knowledge
Valspec engineers possess in-depth control system network, hardware
and software engineering experience, and are factory-certified in DeltaV
Implementation and DeltaV Batch Control.
Valspec’s detailed DeltaV architecture knowledge allows the
full utilization of DeltaV modularity in developing the most efficient
approach to testing strategies and master validation planning.
Valspec maintains an in-house DeltaV Testing Laboratory allowing
project Simulation Testing capabilities.
DeltaV Validation Standards
- Test Procedures and Qualification Templates
- Standard DeltaV SOPs
- Industry best practices (FMECA, GAMP risk considerations)
- DeltaV System Migration Standard Methodology
DeltaV Commissioning and Qualification Innovation
- Industry leadership in Risk Based Qualification
- » Utilizing DeltaV knowledge to reduce testing redundancy, overall scope, and cost
- » Integrated Commissioning and Qualification (ICQ)
- » Test Leverage Strategies / Test Matrix Development
- AgileDoc™ DeltaV Autodocumentation tool set
- » Provides automatic development of DeltaV qualification and design documentation
- » Allows automation of long term change management and associated documentation

Implementing or upgrading a GxP compliant system on time and within
budget requires experienced project management. For large-scale
systems, project management is the essential component for success.
VALSPEC project managers have the experience and expertise to
manage all phases of a project. This includes organizing key personnel,
system lifecycle planning, implementation, testing, and release.

With the frequently changing advisories and guidelines from the
FDA, along with pressures on the cost of compliance and maintaining
quality, it is essential to implement risk-based approaches to compliance
throughout a project and during the lifecycle of a system. Additionally,
life science companies must continually adapt existing and new standard
operating procedures (SOPs) and training programs to ensure quality
standards.
VALSPEC has the experience and expertise to evaluate and improve
methodologies used during a project and in the system lifecycle.
The result is a more efficient system implementation that ensures
product safety and regulatory compliance. This is accomplished
by assessing existing procedures and processes, organizational
structure and dynamics, and the use of innovative tools to reduce
costs and optimize resources. The result is that business, compliance,
and quality goals are achieved.
Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:
- Risk Assessment
- Compliance Plan
- Quality Plan
- Procedures Assessment
- 21 CFR Part 11 Assessment
- SOPs
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- Compliance Auditing
- Quality Auditing
- Quality Assurance Consulting
- Owner's Representative
- Training
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Systems

Automated manufacturing and process control systems must be validated
to be in compliance with current GxP and FDA regulations.
Our consultants provide qualification and full system lifecycle management
of instrumentation and automation systems including bus instruments,
process control systems, custom automation applications, and various
ancillary systems that communicate serially or via OPC and other protocols.
Our Automation Systems Group combines:
- A thorough knowledge of relevant FDA regulations.
- Familiarity with current FDA enforcement trends.
- Skill in implementing computer systems and software applications.
- Hands-on experience with the latest automation systems and an understanding of the process control system principles involved.
Our consultants have experience and expertise with a wide variety of automated systems,
including but not limited to:
- Electronic Batch Record (EBR) Systems and Software
- » Crystal Reports
- » Informetric Systems InfoBatch
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- » Allen-Bradley
- » GE Fanuc
- » Omron
- » Siemens
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA)
- » Allen-Bradley
- » Intellution
- » Wonderware
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Laboratory systems generate, process, and manage information which
is the basis for product release and regulatory approval decisions.
As a result, laboratory instrumentation, information systems,
and equipment used in both manufacturing and development are often
a focus of compliance inspections.
Our consultants provide qualification and full system lifecycle
management of laboratory systems including stand-alone automated
instruments, networked data acquisition/instrument systems, and
laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Our Laboratory
Systems Group combines:
- A thorough knowledge of relevant FDA regulations
- Familiarity with current FDA enforcement trends.
- Skill in implementing computer systems and software applications.
- Hands-on experience with modern and legacy laboratory instrumentation and an understanding of the operating parameters and analytical principles involved.
Our consultants have experience and expertise with a wide variety of laboratory systems,
including but not limited to:
- Standalone Laboratory Instrumentation
- » Agilent
- » AMSCO
- » Anatel
- » ATI Mattson
- » Beckman
- » Bran and Luebbe
- » Coulter
- » Denver Instruments
- » Dionex
- » Distek
- » FOSS
- » Inicam
- » Malvern
- » Mettler Toledo
- » Perkin Elmer
- » Perstorp
- » Sartorius
- » Shimadzu
- » Sievers
- » Spectronic
- » Thermo
- » Thermo-Nicolet
- » VanKel
- » Varian
- » Waters
- Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Chromatography Data Acquisition and Management Systems
- Biosafety Cabinets
- Laminar Flow Hoods
- Laboratory Utility Systems
- » Water Systems
- » Gas Supply Systems

Data Information Systems are absolute necessities within life sciences companies.
They are used to track and manage their products, as well as manage and secure
data needed for regulatory submissions. These systems must be
validated to be compliant with FDA regulations.
Our consultants have experience and expertise with a wide variety of information
systems, including but not limited to:
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Manufacturing Execution Systems
- Network Infrastructure
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Miscellaneous Information Systems and Software Packages
- » Blue Mountain Calibration Software
- » TrackWise
Industries

Pharmaceutical companies continue to face challenges in many aspects of their businesses,
including a diminished pipeline of new products, pressure to reduce
manufacturing costs of existing products, and increased scrutiny
by the FDA. Pharmaceutical companies are looking to be more cost
efficient, maintain or increase product quality, and ensure compliance
to current GxP and FDA regulations.

Biotechnology companies have produced a large pipeline of product applications. These companies
face challenges above and beyond other Pharmaceutical companies,
including more complex and costly manufacturing systems, higher
scrutiny on product quality, and increased focus by the FDA. Biotechnology
companies are looking for efficiencies within their complex systems,
ensuring product quality and strict adherence to FDA regulations.

Medical Device companies are challenged to create advanced technologies in a short
period of time. Additionally, the process of manufacturing medical
devices (including methods, facilities, and controls) must adhere
to high quality standards and be compliant to FDA regulations. Medical
Device companies are looking for efficiencies that will ensure product
quality and strict adherence to FDA regulations .
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Enabling our clients to ensure the quality of their systems
through well-established methodologies, which simultaneously achieve
business and compliance goals.
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