

The next step is to either create a custom application that is completely digital or purchase commercially available, purpose-built CAPA management software. Next, it’s common for a company to move to a hybrid paper/electronic system with the aim of making their paper-based system more efficient.
#Capa process steps series#
At this you should be asking a series of questions in order to define the problem, its history and to outline any work that has been done so far. Companies doing business in regulatory environments often start with a paper-based system because it offers familiarity and a seemingly low start-up cost. This is the first section of corrective and preventive action process. Most companies follow an evolutionary path in developing the correct set of procedures and tools required to maintain an effective CAPA system. The CAPA tools and procedures used in quality event management processes are the primary factors that determine the success or failure of the overarching QMS. A general overview of the seven steps companies need to take to successfully complete and document CAPA include the following: Identification: The initial step begins with clearly defining the potential or actual problem, nonconformity, or incident, and describing the situation as it currently exists.

It is necessary to ensure that each action taken is documented carefully because proper documentation helps in offering vital data for continuous quality improvement. At the time of the process, each step needs to be executed successfully and submissive to the CAPA program. Taken together these two processes should reduce product returns, recalls, scrap, and warranty claims. The CAPA process consists of numerous steps. An effective preventive action process minimizes the number of quality deviations that occur in the first place. An effective corrective action process accounts for all the potential sources of a quality issue and provides a feedback mechanism to prevent it from recurring.

Even more important than being a regulatory requirement, an effective CAPA process should have a direct and measurable impact on improving product quality.
