CoSign Electronic Signatures ensure Astro-Med meets FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11 Compliancy

Pleasant Hill, CA, USA - December 14, 2006

Algorithmic Research (ARX), a leading worldwide provider of electronic signatures and data security solutions, has implemented a CoSign® Electronic Signature appliance at Astro-Med, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALOT), to enable compliance with the FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11, GxP and other requirements.

CoSign provides Astro-Med with an integrated digital signature solution that allows its users to electronically sign documents using standard electronic signatures within applications, such as Adobe Acrobat. Used in conjunction with Astro-Med's workflow systems, the company is replacing handwritten signatures, sealing documents with legally-enforceable signatures as well as saving the costs and time associated with paper-based processes.

The installation was a smooth process. "None of the testing caused any hiccups. It was a relatively simple procedure. In fact it was so simple I had to double-check and make sure I was doing it right," laughs Gordon Bentley, IT Director, Astro-Med.

To comply with FAA, FDA and other organizations that audit Astro-Med on a regular basis the company needed bullet-proof procedures in place.

Bentley says CoSign's ability to prove the authenticity of signatures and to show documents have not changed since they were first approved is the main reason the product was chosen. In addition, its low cost, user-friendliness and easy administration of third party certifications were major draw cards in the evaluation process.

Bentley adds that the flexibility of CoSign’s CA was a very attractive feature as the company deals with a wide range of products for a number of different markets.

"Astro-Med is always adapting its methodologies, products and services to comply with regulations and market pressures," says Rodd Schlerf, Life Sciences Practice Manager, ARX. "With CoSign, Astro-Med can ensure it complies with the rules and regulations set down by the FDA and others.

Astro-Med is a world leader in the data acquisition and recording market and has been developing and manufacturing recording systems since 1969. Our Test & Measurement Product Group recorders are used throughout the world in the most demanding applications, including telemetry and aerospace, power generation, automotive, transportation, primary metal mills, pulp and paper mills, telecommunications and heavy industry.