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Understanding 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance for Electronic Records and Signatures

Viren Kapadia
July 31, 2025

In highly regulated industries, such as life sciences, the integrity and security of electronic records and signatures are paramount. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance for Electronic Records and Signatures, ensuring their trustworthiness, reliability, and equivalence to paper records and handwritten signatures. For organizations dealing with FDA-regulated products, adhering to these regulations is not just a best practice, it’s a legal necessity, especially when it comes to 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures. Learn more about 21 CFR Part 11 and how the GyrusAim LMS helps organization achieve compliance.

Understanding 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance

21 CFR Part 11, formally known as “Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures,” was created by the FDA to permit the broadest possible use of electronic technology while safeguarding public health by ensuring the reliability and integrity of electronic data. This regulation applies to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device companies, and any other organization whose records or processes fall under FDA jurisdiction.

The core objective is to ensure that electronic records and signatures are authentic, trustworthy, and equivalent to their paper counterparts.

Key Requirements for Electronic Signatures under 21 CFR Part 11

For electronic signatures to be considered compliant under 21 CFR Part 11, they must meet stringent criteria. Subpart C of the regulation outlines specific requirements to ensure the integrity and non-repudiation of electronic signatures. These include:

  • Uniqueness: Each electronic signature must be unique to one individual and cannot be reused or reassigned.
  • Identity Verification: The identity of the individual signing electronically must be rigorously verified.
  • Signature Components: Electronic signatures must incorporate specific details: the signer’s printed name, the date and time of the signature, a unique user ID, and the clear meaning or reason for the signature (e.g., approval, review, authorship).
  • Legal Equivalence: Users must formally certify that their electronic signatures are the legally binding equivalent of their handwritten signatures.
  • Audit Trails: Systems must maintain secure, computer-generated, time-stamped audit trails to record all actions, including the creation, modification, or deletion of electronic records, without obscuring previous entries.

How GyrusAim LMS Ensures 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance

We developed the GyrusAim LMS with these critical compliance requirements in mind. It offers comprehensive tools for managing training records and other regulated documentation.

Our platform’s electronic signature capabilities, especially when combined with secure Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), are central to your ability to achieve 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures.

With GyrusAim LMS, once an entry is electronically signed, it becomes immutable. Any subsequent changes are meticulously tracked and documented in an unalterable audit trail. This ensures data integrity and provides a transparent history of all actions, which is crucial for regulatory audits.

Furthermore, the system’s robust authentication protocols, which necessitate the use of electronic signatures alongside PINs, verify the identity of the user accessing the system or signing documents. This multi-factor authentication ensures that only authorized personnel can perform critical actions, adding a vital layer of security.

The GyrusAim platform facilitates streamlined processes for electronic record-keeping, from managing training programs to tracking qualifications, all while maintaining the highest standards of data security and regulatory adherence. By automating compliance tasks and providing verifiable electronic signatures, GyrusAim LMS reduces the administrative burden and mitigates risks associated with manual processes, empowering your organization to focus on its core mission with confidence in its compliance posture.

Achieve 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance for Electronic Records and Signatures

Achieving and maintaining 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures doesn’t have to be a complex challenge. With GyrusAim LMS, you gain a powerful, intuitive platform that simplifies regulatory adherence while enhancing the security and integrity of your critical data.

Ready to see how GyrusAim LMS can transform your compliance efforts?

Contact Gyrus today for a personalized demo!