Data Integrity

To better understand the ALCOA acronym, it is important to define each of its variables:

• Attributable data explains the what, when, and who. What is the data about, who collected and documented the data, and when did the data documentation process take place.
• Legible data, in its original and duplicate form, is easily understood.
• Contemporaneous data is recorded in real-time and precisely accurate.
• Original data should be accessible from its original source.
• Accurate data is error-free and follows a defined protocol.

The presence of unnecessary redundancy can make knowledge and data hard to understand, can be interpreted differently, and be difficult to maintain.  If two (or more) items of information are redundant and share the same meaning or purpose, then inconsistencies in data, procedures, documentation, and change control can persist.

Simplification prevents this redundant representation of information, e.g. data (manual and electronic), batch records, forms, log books, procedures, labels, testing, trends, etc.

Malcom’s simplification methodology improves workflow and removes unnecessary redundancy from documentation, procedures, methods, systems, testing, data, and human knowledge.

Examples of redundancy:

• The same “how to” work instruction is in an SOP and the batch record
• The same data is recorded manually in the batch record and also captured electronically
• Equipment cleaning is documented in a log book and batch record and/or form
• Downtime reporting recorded in equipment log book and in the batch record