With the emerging utilization of computerized technologies in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the pharmaceutical industry asked the FDA for guidance regarding compliance of the resulting electronic records. After several years of development and industry comments, 21 CFR Part 11, the Electronic Records & Electronic Signatures Rule became law in 1997. Interestingly, as time passed other international regulatory agencies adopted similar e-records/e-signature regulations. Today, more than 15 years after introduction, compliance with the requirements of Part 11 (as the regulation is now commonly referred to) continues to challenge the industry. As with any regulation, understanding the basic requirements is key to achieving compliance. This presentation will provide an overview and historical perspective of the Part 11 regulation, the general Part 11 requirements, electronic records requirements, and electronic signatures requirements.