A formal document used to communicate the need for remediation of a problem or nonconformity. It outlines the issue, its potential impact, and the expectation for a planned response. An instance of this could involve identifying a recurring defect in a manufacturing process and initiating documentation requiring investigation and resolution.
This process is vital for continuous improvement and quality management within an organization. By systematically addressing identified issues, businesses mitigate risks, prevent recurrence of errors, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Historically, formalized systems have evolved from basic problem-solving approaches to sophisticated workflows integrated within quality management systems.