What is non-conformance?

Non-conformance is a deviation from a specified standard, specification, or expectation identified during the quality control process. It indicates that a product, process, or service does not meet predetermined criteria or agreed-upon requirements. Non-conformance can occur in manufacturing, service delivery, or other areas where standards are set and measured.

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How is non-conformance identified?

Non-conformance is typically identified during inspections as part of a company’s quality assurance system. These evaluations compare the output—whether a product, service, or process—against the defined standards or specifications. Tools such as checklists, statistical software, and quality control charts are commonly used to detect and document any discrepancies.

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Why is managing non-conformance important?

Managing non-conformance is crucial because it impacts product quality, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Addressing non-conformances promptly helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major defects that can lead to product recalls, safety concerns, or legal issues. 

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What steps are taken to resolve non-conformance?

To resolve non-conformance, organizations typically follow a systematic approach:

1. Identification & documentation: Detecting the non-conformance and recording its details.
2. Evaluation: Assessing the impact and severity of the non-conformance to determine the necessary actions.
3. Containment: Taking immediate action to prevent the non-conforming product or process from further use or distribution.
4. Root cause analysis: Investigating to identify why the non-conformance occurred.
5. Corrective actions: Implementing changes to prevent the recurrence of the same issue.‍
6. Review and closure: Evaluating the effectiveness of the corrective actions and closing out the non-conformance report once resolved.