Definition Non-Conformance vs. Nonconformance vs. Non Conformance - Which is correct?

  • Thread starter Anthony Houghton
  • Start date
A

Anthony Houghton

#1
I'm sure there has probably been a discussion on the correct form of certain words used within ISO 9001. But I have been unable to find it. My question is one regarding non-conformance. There is the thing, is it non-conformance? Or is it nonconformance? Or, indeed, is it non conformance? I have seen this written in all three different forms. Sometimes on the same website! Now the main difference could be that of UK and US English usage. I'm led to believe that the correct UK usage is non-conformance. Please correct me if this is not true. Can any one help me out with this one? Is there a definitive answer?

Oh, and for the eagle eyed amongst you - the title for this thread was mis-punctuated on purpose :D It's so easy to overlook when checking documents.
 
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ScottK

Not out of the crisis
Staff member
Super Moderator
#4
Re: Its not right.

in the ISO Guidance on the Terminology used in ISO 9001:2000 and ISO9004:2000
(ISO/TC 176/SC 2/N 526R)

It's "nonconformity" - not nonconformance, non-conformance or non conformance.

How's that strike ya? :D
 

Stijloor

Staff member
Super Moderator
#5
Re: Its not right.

in the ISO Guidance on the Terminology used in ISO 9001:2000 and ISO9004:2000
(ISO/TC 176/SC 2/N 526R)

It's "nonconformity" - not nonconformance, non-conformance or non conformance.

How's that strike ya? :D
Let's see what Jim Wynne says.....:D

Stijloor.
 
B

Bill Pflanz

#6
Re: Its not right.

Regardless of what term you use, wouldn't you define the term in your own system documentation? As long as it is well defined, you may just be arguing about the vagaries of the English language. I try to use nonconformances (without spaces or hyphens) but at any given time I am sure I have used the other variations.

Bill Pflanz
 

Randy

Super Moderator
#7
Re: Its not right.

A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. Romeo in Romeo and Juliett

It can be called anything you want...today I like the word "bump" and I define "bump" as the "non-fulfillment of a requirement" and as something when identifed requires corrective action.

Don't get all wrapped around the axle over what something is called, the important thing is the meaning behind the word.
 

Wes Bucey

Quite Involved in Discussions
#8
Re: Its not right.

Well . . .
There was a time, early in my days here in the Cove, when I was VERY hard-nosed about spelling and grammatical errors. Lately (say the last year or so), I have adopted the attitude of most modern lexicographers about the English language being ever fluid and ever changing and that the job of the lexicographer is merely to note and catalog the changes, NOT dictate a stale, moribund usage.

Hence, my contribution to the debate is "Whichever you choose to use, be consistent in ALL your documents."

:topic:
Do you want a Moderator to change the thread title to reflect "It's" versus "Its?"
 

RoxaneB

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#9
Re: Its not right.

I'll bite...why is this an issue?

I like the words abnormality or failure. For some of our more zealous ISO folk in our company, they see NC and immediately think it's product-related. Since we developed a Business Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 1008, ISRS 6th Edition, and our own company requirements), we use the word 'abnormality' to indicate a hiccup and 'failure' to indicate that the hiccup required action.
 
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