A nonconformance describes an item that has a quality problem, where the descriptive information includes the source and type of problem. The problem source is termed a nonconformance type. You assign a nonconformance type and its detailed source information, and you assign the associated problem type when you create a nonconformance. There are five nonconformance types, and the detailed source information varies by type, as described in the following table. The detailed source information is optional, and a nonconformance can be created without detailed source information.

The user-definable problem types provide a classification of quality problems for each nonconformance type. For example, the problem types for service requests could reflect a classification of customer complaints, whereas the problem types for an internal nonconformance could represent a classification of defect codes. A problem type can be authorized for one or more nonconformance types, as defined in the Non conformance typesform. For example, the problem type concerning a defect code could apply to all nonconformance types. You can change the nonconformance type assigned to a nonconformance, and this may require changing the problem type to a valid value for the new nonconformance type.

A nonconformance is initially created with an approval status of new, indicating that it represents a request for action. You can approve or refuse a nonconformance (which changes the approval status to approved or refused) to indicate that you will or will not take action on the nonconformance. You can also close a nonconformance (as indicated by a separate check box) to indicate that you are finished with it, or reopen a nonconformance to indicate that further consideration is required.

Comments can be entered for a nonconformance by using the document handling capabilities. It is generally helpful to define a unique document type about nonconformances (by using the Document typeform) so that you can enter notes and comments for the unique document type. Use the Report setupform to define your policy about printing comments for the unique document type on the nonconformance report and tag.

A printed conformance report and nonconformance tag can be used to assist material disposition. You can selectively generate reports and tags based on selection criteria, such as the nonconformance number, item, customer, vendor, or status that are associated with a nonconformance.

• Nonconformance report - The nonconformance report displays identification information, such as the nonconformance number, item, and problem type. The report displays the related notes based on your report setup policies.

• Nonconformance tag - The nonconformance tag displays identification information, such as the nonconformance number and item. The tag displays the related notes based on your report setup policies. The tag also displays the quarantine zone and type (such as restricted usage versus unusable) that you assigned to the nonconformance in order to guide disposition of the defective material.

You can optionally define one or more corrections for an approved nonconformance. A correction identifies what type of diagnostic should be performed, who should perform it, and a requested date and a planned date for completing the diagnostic. You predefine the user-defined diagnostic types, and assign one to a corrective action. Indicate that you have finished the diagnostic step by changing the status of a correction to end. The status can be reopened. Comments can be entered for a correction by using the document handling capabilities. It is generally helpful to define a unique document type about corrections (by using the Document typeform) so that you can enter notes and comments for the unique document type. Use the Report setupform to define your policy about printing comments for the unique document type on the correction report. A printed correction report displays identification information about the nonconformance and the related nonconformance notes, as well as the correction information (such as the diagnostic) and related correction notes. The report displays the related correction notes based on your report setup policies.

You can optionally define one or more related operations for an approved nonconformance. A related operation describes the work that should be performed, expressed as a selected operation (from a predefined list of user-defined quality operations) and descriptive text about the reason for the work. After defining an operation, you can optionally define the miscellaneous charges, items, and time sheet labor hours that are required to perform the work. The calculated costs are shown for the related operation, and the total calculated costs are shown for the nonconformance. The calculated costs and the underlying detail (about items, labor hours, and miscellaneous charges) represent reference information, and they are only used within the quality management function.

You can optionally create a quality order from a nonconformance by first doing an inquiry for quality orders, and then by creating the new quality order. For example, a quality order may identify the need to test (or retest) the defective material. The newly created quality order displays the linkage to the originating nonconformance.

You can optionally link one nonconformance to another, or create a new nonconformance from an existing one. For example, the linkage can reflect the interconnection between quality problems.