Corrective vs. Preventive Action

Corrective and preventive actions are important parts of a quality management system (QMS) , but sometimes it can be difficult to tell these two processes apart.

A corrective action deals with a nonconformity that has occurred, and a preventive action addresses the potential for a nonconformity to occur. Section 8.5.2 of the ISO 9000 standard says corrective action eliminates the cause of nonconformities to prevent recurrence, and section 8.5.3 says preventive action determines and eliminates the causes of potential nonconformities to prevent occurrence.  In a nutshell, one deals with what has happened and the other attempts to stop something from happening.

Many auditors recommend using separate procedures and forms to document each type of action. The standard doesn’t say this must be done, but there is a heavy implication that it should be done.

One way to understand these processes is to break down what is required for each one:

Corrective Action Process

• Locate and document the root cause of the nonconformity.
• Audit the system to ensure no other nonconformity could occur. (impact analysis)
• Analyze the effect the nonconformity may have had on a product or service before it was discovered.
• Which may require taking action by either recalling the product, notifying the customer, downgrading or scrapping product.
• Establish thorough follow-up to ensure the correction is effective and recurrence has been prevented.

Preventive Action Process

• Take proactive steps to detect a potential nonconformity before it can occur.
• Use system analysis to create built-in safeguards and process changes to prevent nonconformance.
• Example, use of a failure mode and risk analysis to identify potential deficiencies and create priorities for improvement.

Both corrective and preventive actions require effective communications. In addition, both require clear documentation of actions taken and lessons learned. Documenting, controlling and communicating corrective and preventive actions ensure appropriate action is taken within a reasonable timeframe and the resulting changes are effective.

​For more information on how Accupoint Software can help your organization manage the corrective and preventative action process, please contact us today.