A control device for use with a computer, where the computer has one or
more connectors for connecting equipment such as peripherals, human
interfaces, test equipment and production facilities to the computer for
communicating with the equipment. The control device has a set of first
connectors for connecting the equipment to the control device, and a set
of second connectors for connecting to the one or more connectors of the
computer to enable the computer to communicate with equipment connected
to the one or more first connectors. Communication between the computer
and the equipment connected to the first set of connectors is stored in a
memory of the control device. The control device thus creates an audit
trail in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, whereby a conventional
computer and equipment connected thereto is made 21 CFR Part 11
compliant.