Defect classification groups nonconformities by their effect on safety, function, compliance, appearance or customer use. Common classes are critical, major and minor, but the written definitions control.
| Area | What the record should show |
|---|---|
| Control | Build a product-specific defect list with examples and classification rules before inspection. Ambiguous language causes inconsistent results between inspectors and suppliers. |
| Evidence | Retain the approved defect catalogue, photographs, revision, observed defect, classification, quantity and disposition. |
| Tradeoff | One generic defect list rarely fits every product. A cosmetic issue on one item may be functional or regulatory on another. |
When it matters
Build a product-specific defect list with examples and classification rules before inspection. Ambiguous language causes inconsistent results between inspectors and suppliers.
Review before approval
Retain the approved defect catalogue, photographs, revision, observed defect, classification, quantity and disposition.
One generic defect list rarely fits every product. A cosmetic issue on one item may be functional or regulatory on another.
