An Automatic Control Test (ACT) is used to determine whether the machine is continuing to reproduce the cycle parameters (e.g time and temperature,) specified at validation. It is recommended that an ACT is performed daily. This can be done by checking that the parameters recorded on the printout or data logger are compatible with the values obtained when the equipment was last tested by a test person. However, in order to provide reassurance that the recorder is functioning correctly, a manual ACT is recommended to be carried out on a weekly basis. This involves directly observing, timing and recording the parameters during a normal cycle.