Month: May 2024

Spreadsheets in a GxP Environment

I have them, you have them, and chances are they are used in more ways than you know. The spreadsheet is a powerful tool and really ubiquitous. As such, spreadsheets are used in many ways in the GxP environment, which means they need to meet their intended use and be appropriately controlled. Spreadsheets must perform accurately and consistently, maintain data integrity, and comply with regulatory standards such as health agency guidelines and the GxPs.

That said, it can also be really easy to over-control spreadsheets. It is important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

It is important to build a risk-based approach from a clear definition of the scope and purpose of an individual spreadsheet. This includes identifying the intended use, the type of data a spreadsheet will handle, and the specific calculations or data manipulations it will perform.

I recommend an approach that breaks the spreadsheet down into three major categories. This should also apply to similar tools, such as Jira, Smartsheet, or what-have-you.

    Spreadsheet FunctionalityLevel of verification
    Used like typewriters or simple calculators. They are intended to produce an approved document. Signatories should make any calculations or formulas visible or explicitly describe them and verify that they are correct. The paper printout or electronic version, managed through an electronic document management system, is the GxP record.Control with appropriate procedural governance. The final output may be retained as a record or have an appropriate checked-by-step in another document.
    A low level of complexity (few or no conditional statements, smaller number of cells) and do not use Visual Basic Application programs, macros, automation, or other forms of code.Control through the document lifecycle. Each use is a record.
    A high level of complexity (many conditional statements, external calls or writing to an external database, or linked to other spreadsheets, larger number of cells), using Visual Basic Application, macros, or automation, and multiple users and departments.Treat under a GAMP5 approach for configuration or even customization (Category 4 or 5)
    Requirements by Spreadsheet complexity

    For spreadsheets, the GxP risk classification and GxP functional risk assessment should be performed to include both the spreadsheet functionality and the associated infrastructure components, as applicable (e.g., network drive/storage location).

    For qualification, there should be a succinct template to drive activities. This should address the following parts.

    1. Scope and Purpose

    The validation process begins with a clear definition of the spreadsheet’s scope and purpose. This includes identifying its intended use, the type of data it will handle, and the specific calculations or data manipulations it will perform.

    2. User Requirements and Functional Specifications

    Develop detailed user requirements and functional specifications by outlining what the spreadsheet must do, ensuring that it meets all user needs and regulatory requirements. This step specifies the data inputs, outputs, formulas, and any macros or other automation the spreadsheet will utilize.

    3. Design Qualification

    Ensure that the spreadsheet design aligns with the user requirements and functional specifications. This includes setting up the spreadsheet layout, formulas, and any macros or scripts. The design should prevent common errors such as incorrect data entry and formula misapplication.

    4. Risk Assessment

    Conduct a risk assessment to identify and evaluate potential risks associated with the spreadsheet. This includes assessing the impact of spreadsheet errors on the final results and determining the likelihood of such errors occurring. Mitigation strategies should be developed for identified risks.

    5. Data Integrity and Security

    Implement measures to ensure data integrity and security. This includes setting up access controls, using data validation features to limit data entry errors, and ensuring that data storage and handling comply with regulatory requirements.

    6. Testing (IQ, OQ, PQ)

    • IQ tests the proper installation and configuration of the spreadsheet.
    • OQ ensures the spreadsheet operates as designed under specified conditions.
    • PQ verifies that the spreadsheet consistently produces correct outputs under real-world conditions.

    Remember, all one template; don’t get into multiple documents that each regurgitate all the same stuff.

    Lifecycle Approach

    Spreadsheets should have appropriate procedural guidance and training.

    They should be under risk-based periodic review.

    Task Decomposition

    http://smbc-comics.com/comic/break-it-down
    Task Analysis

    Task decomposition is a systematic approach to breaking down a complex task into smaller, more manageable components. A more detailed version of task analysis helps organize work, improve understanding, and facilitate effective execution.

    Step 1: Understand the Task

    The first step in task decomposition is to fully understand the task at hand. This involves defining the main objective, identifying the final deliverables, and recognizing all the requirements and constraints associated with the task.

    Step 2: Break Down the Task

    Once the task is clearly understood, the next step is to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can be done by identifying the major components or phases of the task and then further dividing these into subtasks.

    Techniques for Breaking Down Tasks:

    • Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA): This involves creating a hierarchy of tasks, starting with the main task at the top and breaking it down into subtasks and further into individual actions.
    • Functional Decomposition: Focus on dividing the task based on different functions or processes involved.
    • Object-Oriented Decomposition: Used primarily in software development, where tasks are divided based on the objects or data involved.

    Step 3: Sequence the Tasks

    Determine the logical order in which the subtasks should be completed. This involves identifying dependencies between tasks, where some tasks must precede others.

    Step 4: Assign Resources and Estimate Time

    Assign the appropriate resources to each subtask, including personnel, tools, and materials. Additionally, estimate the time required to complete each subtask. This helps in scheduling and resource allocation.

    Step 5: Prioritize Tasks

    Not all tasks are equally important. Prioritize tasks based on their impact on the overall project, their urgency, and their dependencies.

    Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

    Once the decomposition and planning are in place, the execution phase begins. It’s important to monitor the progress of tasks, check adherence to timelines, and make adjustments as necessary. This might involve re-prioritizing tasks or re-allocating resources to address any bottlenecks or delays.

    Step 7: Documentation and Feedback

    Document the entire process and gather feedback. This documentation will serve as a valuable reference for future projects, and feedback can help in refining the decomposition process.

    Task decomposition is a dynamic process that may require iterative adjustments. Used well, it is a powerful tool in the quality toolbox.