Learning the difference between non-conformance (NCR) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs) is a very important part of your business structure. Let go over the basic understandings:

What’s the Progression of Action?

• A nonconformity occurs when a task is not fulfilled and then does not meet operational requirements.

• Correction is the next step after an unconformity has taken place. By placing a correction you are trying to stop another nonconformity from continuing to break your operations.

• A corrective action request (CAR) is when an investigation is launched to find the root cause of these errors in hopes that they will stop happening.

How to Choose the Correct Plan of Action

In order to make the wisest decision with your corrective choice, you may want to ask yourself these questions:

1. Can the problem be resolved actively without wasting time and resources or without disrupting the client’s expectations?— Is the problem not likely to happen again? If so, continue on without needing to record the incident.

2. Did the problem waste time, resources or upset the client? If so, you should begin a nonconformity but if it can be resolved, use a correction instead.

3. Is the problem an indication of a more systemic issue, and is it likely to reoccur? If so, then a corrective action needs to take place to discover a way to find the cause and solve it. 

Conclusion

When it comes to quality management it is crucial that your business sets up clear and consistent definitions. Without this, your business will run the risk of missing important elements and making mistakes in the operation of your business.

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