Deviation vs. Nonconformance

Attribute	Deviation	Nonconformance
Definition	Departure from a standard or norm	Failure to meet a requirement or specification
Cause	Can be intentional or unintentional	Usually unintentional
Impact	May or may not affect the final product	Usually affects the final product
Prevention	Can be prevented through quality control measures	Can be prevented through quality assurance measures

Definition

Deviation and nonconformance are two terms commonly used in quality management systems to describe instances where a product or process does not meet specified requirements. Deviation refers to a departure from established procedures or specifications that may or may not result in a product that is out of specification. Nonconformance, on the other hand, refers to a product or process that does not meet specified requirements and is considered to be out of specification.

Causes

Deviation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as human error, equipment malfunction, or changes in the manufacturing process. It can also be intentional, such as when a deviation is made to improve efficiency or reduce costs. Nonconformance, on the other hand, is typically caused by a failure to follow established procedures, use the correct materials, or meet customer requirements.

Impact

Deviation can have both positive and negative impacts on a product or process. In some cases, a deviation may result in a product that meets or exceeds customer expectations. However, in other cases, a deviation may lead to a product that is out of specification and must be reworked or scrapped. Nonconformance, on the other hand, almost always has a negative impact on a product or process, as it indicates a failure to meet specified requirements.

Detection

Deviation is often detected through regular monitoring and inspection of processes and products. It may also be identified through customer complaints or feedback. Nonconformance, on the other hand, is typically detected through quality control measures, such as inspections, audits, or testing. It may also be identified through customer returns or rejections.

Resolution

When a deviation is identified, it is important to determine the root cause and take corrective action to prevent it from recurring. This may involve updating procedures, retraining employees, or making changes to equipment or materials. Nonconformance, on the other hand, requires immediate action to address the issue and prevent the nonconforming product from reaching the customer. This may involve reworking the product, scrapping it, or issuing a recall.

Prevention

Preventing deviations involves implementing robust quality management systems, providing training to employees, and regularly monitoring processes and products. It may also involve conducting risk assessments and implementing controls to prevent deviations from occurring. Preventing nonconformance, on the other hand, requires a strong focus on quality control measures, such as inspections, audits, and testing. It may also involve implementing corrective and preventive actions to address root causes of nonconformances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deviation and nonconformance are two terms used in quality management systems to describe instances where a product or process does not meet specified requirements. While deviation refers to a departure from established procedures that may or may not result in a product that is out of specification, nonconformance refers to a product or process that does not meet specified requirements and is considered to be out of specification. Both deviation and nonconformance have their own causes, impacts, detection methods, resolutions, and prevention strategies, making them important concepts to understand in the field of quality management.