Escaped defect

Raise a concession when the nonconforming item will be accepted for use or delivery as-is, or with a repair that does not fully restore it to drawing, specification, or approved process requirements. If compliant condition can be objectively restored by approved rework and verified, a concession is usually not the right path. The exact trigger depends on contract, customer, and QMS rules.

In regulated manufacturing, a nonconformance is a documented failure to meet a specified requirement, whether from a customer, drawing, spec, standard, procedure, or regulation. It is not just a defect; it is any verified deviation that must be recorded, evaluated, and dispositioned under change control and traceability rules.

In regulated manufacturing, “types” of nonconformance are usually defined by impact and source, not a single universal list. Common distinctions include critical/major/minor, product vs. process vs. documentation, internal vs. supplier vs. customer, and recurring/systemic vs. isolated. Your exact categories must be defined, documented, and applied consistently in your QMS.

In aerospace there is no single universal definition of minor vs major non-conformance. Each OEM, prime, or Tier 1 typically defines severity in its quality system and contracts. Distinction is usually based on impact to safety, airworthiness, fit/form/function, regulatory or customer requirements, and the amount of rework or re-inspection needed. Plants must follow their approved, documented criteria and apply it consistently with traceability and review.