Supplier Quality Audit Non-conformance

Supplier Quality Audit Non-conformance in Lyons Quality Audit Tracking System occurs when a supplier’s products, processes, or systems fail to meet the specified requirements, standards, or contractual agreements. During the audit, auditors identify and document these deviations, which can have significant consequences for quality, safety, and compliance.

1. Identifying Non-Conformance

Auditors identify non-conformance through:

• Product Quality Issues: Defects, incorrect specifications, or damaged goods that do not meet the agreed standards.
• Process Failures: Deviations in manufacturing or operational procedures that impact product quality.
• Documentation Gaps: Missing or incorrect records that fail to comply with regulatory or contractual requirements.
• Safety or Regulatory Violations: Non-compliance with industry regulations or safety standards.

2. Classifying Non-Conformance

Auditors classify non-conformance into categories based on severity:

• Minor Non-Conformance: Less critical issues that need attention but do not pose significant risks.
• Major Non-Conformance: Serious issues that impact quality, safety, or regulatory compliance.
• Critical Non-Conformance: Issues that threaten the product’s safety, functionality, or compliance with legal standards, requiring immediate action.

3. Documenting Non-Conformance

Auditors document non-conformance by:

• Describing the Issue: Clearly explaining the problem, its cause, and its potential impact.
• Providing Evidence: Including photos, videos, or inspection reports to support findings.
• Conducting Root Cause Analysis: Investigating the underlying reasons for the non-conformance.

4. Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

After identifying non-conformance, auditors require the supplier to:

• Take Corrective Actions: Fix the specific issue, such as replacing defective products or addressing process flaws.
• Implement Preventive Actions: Establish measures to prevent recurrence, such as improving controls or training.

5. Impact on Supplier Relationships

Non-conformance can affect the supplier relationship by:

• Risking Business: Persistent non-conformance may result in the loss of contracts or reduced order volumes.
• Damaging Reputation: Suppliers with recurring issues may damage their reputation with buyers or the market.
• Triggering Additional Audits: The buyer may conduct more frequent audits and closely monitor corrective actions.

6. Evaluating Supplier Performance

Auditors use non-conformance findings to evaluate the supplier’s performance. A supplier’s ability to resolve non-conformances and prevent future issues plays a significant role in determining the supplier’s future business prospects.

In summary, non-conformance during a Supplier Quality Audit highlights areas where the supplier fails to meet required standards. Addressing these issues quickly helps improve product quality, ensure compliance, and maintain strong supplier relationships.