ALCOA+ Data Integrity Principles Explained

What is ALCOA+?

ALCOA+ is a set of principles that define trustworthy data in regulated environments. Data-integrity failures are among the most common and costly regulatory findings.

The principles

• Attributable — who created or changed the data, and when.
• Legible — readable and permanent.
• Contemporaneous — recorded at the time of the activity.
• Original — the first record (or a certified true copy).
• Accurate — correct and free from errors.

Plus:

• Complete — nothing deleted or hidden.
• Consistent — logical and chronological.
• Enduring — retained for the required period.
• Available — retrievable for review and inspection.

Applying ALCOA+ in software

1. Computer-generated, tamper-evident audit trails.
2. Time synchronisation and user attribution.
3. Controlled changes with review and approval.
4. Robust backup and retention.

Anxya Health keeps ALCOA+ in mind across records and outputs. Educational content, not regulatory advice.