IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes
IEC 62304 defines the lifecycle requirements for the development and maintenance of medical device software. It specifies processes, activities, and tasks for each stage of the software lifecycle including planning, requirements analysis, architectural design, detailed design, unit implementation, integration testing, system testing, release, and maintenance. Software safety classification (Class A, B, C) determines the rigor of required activities.
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Framework Domains (17)
Clause 4 - General Requirements
Quality management system, risk management, and software safety classification
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-4.1 | Quality Management System |
| IEC62304-4.2 | Risk Management |
| IEC62304-4.3 | Software Safety Classification |
| IEC62304-4.4 | Legacy Software |
Clause 5 - Software Development Process
Complete software development lifecycle from planning through release
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.1 | Software Development Planning |
| IEC62304-5.2 | Software Requirements Analysis |
| IEC62304-5.3 | Software Architectural Design |
| IEC62304-5.4 | Software Detailed Design |
| IEC62304-5.5 | Software Unit Implementation and Verification |
| IEC62304-5.6 | Software Integration and Testing |
| IEC62304-5.7 | Software System Testing |
| IEC62304-5.8 | Software Release |
Clause 6 - Software Maintenance Process
Post-market software maintenance, modification, and re-release activities
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-6.1 | Software Maintenance Plan |
| IEC62304-6.2 | Problem and Modification Analysis |
| IEC62304-6.3 | Modification Implementation |
Clause 7 - Software Risk Management Process
Risk management activities specific to software for medical devices
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-7.1 | Risk Analysis of Software Contributing to Hazardous Situations |
| IEC62304-7.2 | Risk Control Measures |
| IEC62304-7.3 | Verification of Risk Control Measures |
| IEC62304-7.4 | Risk Management of Software Changes |
Clause 8 - Software Configuration Management Process
Configuration identification, change control, and status accounting
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-8.1 | Configuration Identification |
| IEC62304-8.2 | Change Control |
| IEC62304-8.3 | Configuration Status Accounting |
Clause 9 - Software Problem Resolution Process
Detection, reporting, evaluation, and resolution of software problems
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-9.1 | Prepare Problem Reports |
| IEC62304-9.2 | Investigate the Problem |
| IEC62304-9.3 | Advise Relevant Parties |
| IEC62304-9.4 | Use Change Control Process |
| IEC62304-9.5 | Maintain Records |
| IEC62304-9.6 | Analyze Problems for Trends |
| IEC62304-9.7 | Verify Software Problem Resolution |
| IEC62304-9.8 | Test Documentation |
Configuration
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-8.1 | Configuration Identification |
| IEC62304-8.2 | Change Control |
| IEC62304-8.3 | Configuration Status Accounting |
Design
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.3 | Software Architectural Design |
| IEC62304-5.4 | Software Detailed Design |
Implementation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.5 | Software Unit Implementation and Verification |
Integration
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.6 | Software Integration and Testing |
Maintenance
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-6.1 | Software Maintenance Plan |
| IEC62304-6.2 | Problem and Modification Analysis |
Planning
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-4.3 | Software Safety Classification |
| IEC62304-5.1.1 | Software Development Plan |
| IEC62304-5.1.6 | SOUP Identification |
| SP800-171-3.14.7 | Identify unauthorized use |
Problem Resolution
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-9 | Software Problem Resolution Process |
Release
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.8 | Software Release |
Requirements
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.2 | Software Requirements Analysis |
Risk Management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-7.1 | Risk Analysis of Software Contributing to Hazardous Situations |
| IEC62304-7.2 | Risk Control Measures |
| IEC62304-7.3 | Verification of Risk Control Measures |
| IEC62304-7.4 | Risk Management of Software Changes |
Verification
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.7 | Software System Testing |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes, you already cover:
ICH Q10 - Pharmaceutical Quality System
26%
9 controls mapped
Compare →Annex 11 to EU GMP - Computerised Systems
24%
8 controls mapped
Compare →NIS2 Directive
24%
8 controls mapped
Compare →+ 333 more: SSAE 18 - Attestation Standards (SOC Reporting) (24%), PAS 1192-5:2015 - Security-Minded Approach to BIM and Digital Built Environments (24%)
See all 336 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 336 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes?
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes is a compliance framework from International with 17 domains and 51 controls. IEC 62304 defines the lifecycle requirements for the development and maintenance of medical device software. It specifies processes, activities, and tasks for each stage of the software lifecycle including planning, requirements analysis, architectural design, detailed design, unit implementation, integration testing, system testing, release, and maintenance. Software safety classification (Class A, B, C) determines the rigor of required activities. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes have?
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes has 51 controls organised across 17 domains. The largest domains are Clause 5 - Software Development Process (8 controls), Clause 9 - Software Problem Resolution Process (8 controls), Clause 4 - General Requirements (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes map to?
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes maps to 336 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are ICH Q10 - Pharmaceutical Quality System (26% coverage), Annex 11 to EU GMP - Computerised Systems (24% coverage), NIS2 Directive (24% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes compliance?
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