Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
articles:classifying_nonconformities [2023/05/16 13:53] – [Classifying Minor & Major Nonconformities] rrandallarticles:classifying_nonconformities [2023/05/16 15:13] (current) – [Definitions...] rrandall
Line 9: Line 9:
 If your company is certified to one of the AS91xx standards, minor nonconformances must be included in the [[articles:ocap|OCAP]] risk calculation... which could result in additional time added to your audits. If your company is certified to one of the AS91xx standards, minor nonconformances must be included in the [[articles:ocap|OCAP]] risk calculation... which could result in additional time added to your audits.
  
-===== Definitions... =====+You should be aware of the below "official" definitions and challenge the auditors to explain their justification for classifying a: 
 +  * nonconformity as a "Major" instead of a "Minor", and/or 
 +  * "Minor" nonconformity rather than an "Opportunity for Improvement" (OFI)
  
 +Where you disagree over the classification, you should "[[articles:how_to_appeal_nonconformance|appeal]]" the nonconformity based on its classification (i.e., requesting the CB to reclassify the nonconformity).
 +
 +===== Definitions... =====
 +{{ :articles:dictionary-1619740_1920.jpg?direct&300|Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/dictionary-reference-book-learning-1619740/}}
 Before classifying a nonconformity as a minor or major, the auditor must have a clear understanding of their definitions. Before classifying a nonconformity as a minor or major, the auditor must have a clear understanding of their definitions.
  
-Nonconformity classifications are defined in ISO/IEC 17021-1 for both ISO 9001 & AS9100 audits. AS9101 expands these definitions for AS9100 series audits. However, IMO, AS9101 merely clarifies the vague definitions contained in ISO/IEC 17021-1.+Nonconformity classifications are defined in [[https://www.iso.org/standard/61651.html|ISO/IEC 17021-1]] for both ISO 9001 & AS9100 audits. AS9101 expands these definitions for AS9100 series audits. However, IMO, AS9101 merely clarifies the vague definitions contained in ISO/IEC 17021-1.
  
-Due to the ambiguous/vague nature of many "requirements" contained in ISO 9001 & AS9100, the auditor must be able to justify each nonconformity (which the auditee may appeal to the CB). Due to the auditor's bias toward a particular interpretation of the standard, far too many auditors "//imagine//" nonconformities where none exist. It is recommended to always refer to the applicable definitions document when interpreting a standard. "//Notes//", whether in the terms and definitions section of a standard or in a vocabulary and definitions document, are NOT requirements.+Due to the ambiguous/vague nature of many "requirements" contained in ISO 9001 & AS9100, the auditor must be able to justify each nonconformity (which the auditee may [[articles:how_to_appeal_nonconformance|appeal]] to the CB). Due to the auditor's bias toward a particular interpretation of the standard, far too many auditors "//imagine//" nonconformities where none exist. It is recommended to always refer to the applicable definitions document when interpreting a standard. "//Notes//", whether in the terms and definitions section of a standard or in a vocabulary and definitions document, are NOT requirements.
  
-===== Minor Nonconformities =====+ISO 9001 & AS9100, "Introduction, 0.1 General" (last sentence in section) states: 
 +<blockquote>Information marked as “NOTE” is for guidance in understanding or clarifying the associated requirement.</blockquote> 
 +==== Minor Nonconformities ====
  
-<blockquote>ISO/IEC 17021-1 clause 3.13, Minor nonconformity \\ +<blockquote>[[https://www.iso.org/obp/ui#iso:std:iso-iec:17021:-1:ed-1:v1:en:term:3.13|ISO/IEC 17021-1 clause 3.13, Minor nonconformity]] \\ 
 nonconformity that does not affect the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results.</blockquote> nonconformity that does not affect the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results.</blockquote>
  
Line 30: Line 38:
 In other words, a nonconformity that is NOT likely to result in the delivery of a nonconforming product or service. Examples of minor nonconformities may include: administrative errors in non-deliverable records or procedures, a lapse in following a procedure that did not impact the deliverable product or service, etc. In other words, a nonconformity that is NOT likely to result in the delivery of a nonconforming product or service. Examples of minor nonconformities may include: administrative errors in non-deliverable records or procedures, a lapse in following a procedure that did not impact the deliverable product or service, etc.
  
-===== Major Nonconformities =====+==== Major Nonconformities ====
  
-<blockquote>ISO/IEC 17021-1 clause 3.12, Major nonconformity \\ +<blockquote>[[https://www.iso.org/obp/ui#iso:std:iso-iec:17021:-1:ed-1:v1:en:term:3.12|ISO/IEC 17021-1 clause 3.12, Major nonconformity]] \\ 
 nonconformity that affects the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results. \\  nonconformity that affects the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results. \\