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Validation of commissioning: 'reflect before you begin'

The upcoming version of the BRCGS and IFS Food standard will for the first time include a tightened requirement for validating the commissioning of new equipment. Précon developed a risk-based methodology based on the proven method in the pharmaceutical industry. An important part of this methodology is to identify all user requirements in advance - that is, before approaching the supplier.

Proven method

In the drug industry, it has long been common practice to validate new equipment or processes through the so-called "V model" prior to initial commercial production. The left half of the V involves the design, in which the requirements are identified step by step. The other side of the V involves the various qualification tests after equipment is installed.

Based on this, Précon has developed a method around the commissioning of new equipment in the food industry. This method also starts with identifying the requirements for new equipment. First, of course, we look at the requirements for food safety and product quality that consumers, customers and the law require. But we also look at the needs of the users of the equipment, such as operators, cleaners and mechanics. The requirements documented in the URS are communicated to the new supplier so that they are included in the design or selection of the new machine. Depending on the impact the equipment has on the final safety or quality of the product, one or more steps then follow to verify that all requirements have been met.

The control step that must be performed on all equipment that has more or less impact is installation qualification. IQ or also called commissioning. This includes field verification that the machine has been installed according to drawing, that all required hygiene requirements have been implemented and that the necessary documents are present. The purpose of commissioning validation is to discover essential shortcomings as early as possible in the realization process. In this way, the chance of repair is as high as possible and the costs as low as possible.

Want to know more?

Want to know more about the URS, IQ and all the other steps within this validation process? Or do you want to know what the ideal division of roles is? Then register for the training, via the training page. Or contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or email info@precongroup.com.

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