The guidance says that electronic copies can be used as true copies of paper or electronic records. However, it does stipulate that the copies need to preserve the content and meaning of the original data, which includes associated metadata and the static or dynamic nature of the original records. Manufacturers are allowed to keep paper printouts or static records. However, some electronic records are dynamic in nature and the printout or static record does not preserve the dynamic nature of the original electronic record. According to FDA, this would not fully satisfy the cGMP requirements.
An EQMS does preserve the meaning of the original record, which includes the associated metadata. You can configure an EQMS to keep records indefinitely or for only a specified period. Also, if necessary, you can restore any deleted data.