In the world of quality management, it is important to be able to accurately identify and classify quality issues in order to effectively address them. However, it can be confusing to understand the differences between various terms used to describe quality issues. In this blog, we will explore the differences between quality defects, deviations, observations, nonconformances, and findings.
Quality defect
A quality defect is a problem with a product or service that does not meet the specified quality standards. Defects can occur at any stage of the production process and can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty materials, equipment problems, or human error.
Quality deviation
A deviation is a departure from the specified quality standards or from an established process. Deviations can be intentional or unintentional, and they can occur at any stage of the production process.
Quality observation
An observation is a non-judgmental statement about a product or process. Observations are typically made during a quality inspection or audit and are used to identify potential quality issues or areas for improvement.
Quality nonconformance or nonconformity
A nonconformance is a failure to meet a specified requirement, whether it be a quality standard, a process requirement, or a regulatory requirement. Nonconformances can be identified during a quality inspection or audit, and they must be addressed in order to maintain compliance and ensure quality.
Quality finding
A finding is a conclusion that is reached based on observations or other evidence. Findings can be used to identify quality issues or areas for improvement, and they are typically used to support the development of a corrective action plan.
Summary
In summary, quality defects, deviations, observations, nonconformances, and findings are all terms used to describe quality issues. Quality defects refer to problems with a product or service that do not meet quality standards, deviations are departures from quality standards or established processes, observations are non-judgmental statements about a product or process, nonconformances are failures to meet specified requirements, and findings are conclusions reached based on observations or other evidence. Understanding the differences between these terms can help organizations effectively identify and address quality issues.
Are you looking for a tool to enable, record and monitor CAPAs, conduct quality inspections or improve other quality processes in your organisation? Falcony | Audit ticks all the boxes for reporting, investigation management, mobile audits and is easy to customise.
We are building the world's first operational involvement platform. Our mission is to make the process of finding, sharing, fixing and learning from issues and observations as easy as thinking about them and as rewarding as being remembered for them.
By doing this, we are making work more meaningful for all parties involved.
More information at falcony.io.
