Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement

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LNeJame

Hi All,

Not sure if this is something that has been discussed yet... But my question is, How would you define the difference between a Preventative Action and an Opportunity for Improvement?

Thanks!!
 

Jim Wynne

Leader
Admin
Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

I'd say that all preventive actions represent opportunities for improvement, but not necessarily the other way around, depending on what's being improved. If we define PA as anticipating and neutralizing a potential cause of nonconformity, there are some improvements (increasing throughput rates, e.g.) that don't qualify.
 

Ajit Basrur

Leader
Admin
Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

Hi All,

Not sure if this is something that has been discussed yet... But my question is, How would you define the difference between a Preventative Action and an Opportunity for Improvement?

Thanks!!

Refer this operating procedure from EPA
 

bobdoering

Stop X-bar/R Madness!!
Trusted Information Resource
Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

Refer this operating procedure from EPA

Remember - that is their definition, not a definitive one (not really intended to be a pun). I do not entirely agree with that definition, and I bet you may find some others that also find it lacking. It may work for them - but I wouldn't submit it to Webster's
 

bobdoering

Stop X-bar/R Madness!!
Trusted Information Resource
Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

Why do you need to create anything? If there's an opportunity, pursue it and don't worry so much about what to call it.

That's the bottom line... :yes:
 

Ajit Basrur

Leader
Admin
Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

I agree with Jim

If you refer the WIKI, it says A preventive action is a change implemented to address a weakness in a management system that is not yet responsible for causing nonconforming product or service.

Candidates for preventive action generally result from suggestions from customers or participants in the process but preventive action is a proactive process to identify opportunities for improvement rather than a simple reaction to identified problems or complaints. Apart from the review of the operational procedures, the preventive action might involve analysis of data, including trend and risk analyses and proficiency-testing results.

The focus for preventive actions is to avoid creating nonconformances, but also commonly includes improvements in efficiency. Preventive actions can address technical requirements related to the product or service supplied or to the internal management system.

Many organizations require that when opportunities to improve are identified or if preventive action is required, action plans are developed, implemented and monitored to reduce the likelihood of nonconformities and to take advantage of the opportunities for improvement. Additionally, a thorough preventive action process will include the application of controls to ensure that they the preventive actions are effective.
 
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bikeshox

Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

We're working on an Opportunity for improvement, but I'm struggling on how to document the improvement. The only present place I can document the improvement is in our CAPA system.

The OFI came about as a cost savings, not as preventative action, as a CAPA would define.

How do i ensure that the OFI meets all of our quality requirements, and how should i document this?
 

Ninja

Looking for Reality
Trusted Information Resource
Re: Preventative Action vs. Opportunity for Improvement?

IMO, it doesn't really matter so much HOW you document it, but that you DO document it. This is freedom.

If you have an OFI documentation or OFI mgmt system, use it.
I assume from you asking your question that you have no such system.
I, personally, would not build the system just for this...it is the cost savings that is important, not the type of documentation...so call it a PA and use your existing system.

PA: Preventing unnecessary expenditure.
Have someone in Mgmt declare it as a goal, document the goal, and then you are preventing non-compliance with that goal set by Mgmt. A stretch?...sure it is...using a wrench to drive a nail. But remember it is the saving money that is the important part...don't let the documentation run your life.

If things like this come up multiple times a year (I hope they do!)...build the OFI system. I would recommend that you simply add it on to the existing CAPA system. K.I.S.S.
 
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