Nonconforming materials are defined as materials (including raw material, work-in-process, sub-assemblies, service returns, etc.) that do not meet the current requirements as described in the QMS documentation.

 All nonconforming materials must be controlled to ensure that the materials are not shipped to a customer. Nonconforming materials must be labeled and segregated to prevent accidental usage. The nonconforming materials management can range from simple to very complex depending on the design of the quality system. The simple system outlined on this site uses brightly colored tags to mark nonconforming materials throughout the facility. This system can be expanded to include special processes for each type of nonconforming material.

Most companies maintain records of nonconforming materials. This can be easily managed using a Non-conforming Materials Database like the one included with our Turnkey quality management system. Non-conforming materials information is important for monitoring the product process, tracking costs in production, and as input for the management review meetings. The cost of nonconforming materials is a great indicator of the quality system status. Nonconforming materials should also be used as a source for input into the Engineering Change Request and Engineering Change Order System.


Non-Conforming Materials Procedure
This free sample procedure is a very simple way to manage non-conforming materials. Using a tagging system and a simple database, your organization can control NCM.

Non-Conforming Materials Introduction
This introduction to non-conforming materials includes the requirement of the ISO 9001 standard and introduces a simple system for fulfilling the requirements.