Quality Traceability and Corrective Action
For example, one clasp in a lot may have an incorrect colour or a sharp edge. The first priorities are to protect customers and workers, identify the affected quantity, address the cause and inspect the material again. This page describes that sequence.
1. Find and contain
Section titled “1. Find and contain”Record the product, drawing revision, batch, defect, location and observed quantity. Hold the affected material and label it quarantined—kept separate until a decision is made. Check whether material from the same batch is in another department, with an external processor or already packed.
2. Decide what may happen next
Section titled “2. Decide what may happen next”An inspection result states whether the sample passed. A disposition defines the required action for the material:
- accept and continue;
- sort and keep only good pieces;
- rework using an approved method, then inspect again;
- return to the processor;
- scrap or replace the quantity.
Concession means an authorised person accepts a clearly described deviation for a defined quantity. It requires a documented approval record and does not override a safety or legal failure.
3. Check the cause
Section titled “3. Check the cause”Compare good and bad pieces. Check the drawing and sample, material and batch, machine or mould settings, tooling, work method, environment and measuring method. For an outside finish, compare the condition before dispatch, transport damage, processing conditions and the two inspection methods. Establish the facts before assigning responsibility.
4. Fix and verify
Section titled “4. Fix and verify”A temporary action protects the current delivery, such as holding or sorting it. A corrective action changes the condition that caused the problem: for example, a tool, tolerance, material check, process setting or error-proofing method. Record who made the change, what changed and when. Reinspect the affected material and use the same method to check a later run.
5. When is it closed?
Section titled “5. When is it closed?”Close the case only when the affected quantity has a documented disposition, the required rework or replacement is complete, the result passes and the later check shows that the problem has not recurred. Update the drawing or work instruction when the change is permanent. A photograph alone is not sufficient; retain the quantity, method, result and date.
See Hardware inspection and testing, FQC inspection overview and Production management.