CAPA (from the English Corrective and Preventive Action) is a structured process aimed at identifying, correcting, and preventing the recurrence of problems or non-conformities in quality, production, or testing systems.
CAPA is part of systems like ISO 9001, IATF 16949, FDA 21 CFR and other industrial standards, being essential to ensure reliability, traceability, and continuous improvement.
Corrective action solves the problem.
Preventive action prevents it from happening again.
🧩 Difference between Corrective Action and Preventive Action
| Type of Action | Objective | Practical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Corrective | Eliminate the root cause of an occurred problem | Change test sequence that allowed error |
| Preventive | Prevent similar future occurrences | Add automatic firmware check |
🔧 How AJOLLY Testing supports industrial CAPAs
AJOLLY Testing implements corrective and preventive actions with technical basis, traceability, and real data, aligning testing processes with quality and performance objectives.
🧠 Root cause identification
- Technical analysis with 5 Whys, Ishikawa and Pareto of failures
- Consultation of test logs, cycle time, KPIs and DUT history
- Review of test software, hardware, fixture and procedure
🛠️ Implementation of corrective actions
- Modification of test sequences with automated validation
- Adjustments of fixture, interlocks, and safety sensors
- Firmware update of test bench or reparameterization of limits
🔄 Recurrence prevention
- Digital checklists for verification before starting the test
- Scripts for automatic validation of firmware, product, or operator
- Integration with MES and dashboards for alerts and continuous monitoring
📄 Documentation and traceability of CAPA
- CAPA registration by serial number, batch, product, and station
- Technical attachments: graphs, screenshots, logs, test reports
- Effectiveness verification: reduction of failures, cycle time, and rework
📈 Benefits of CAPA with AJOLLY Testing
- Reduction of recurrence of critical problems
- Increased confidence in testing and production systems
- Better traceability for audits and certifications
- Quality culture based on data and technical action
With AJOLLY Testing, the CAPA process becomes a powerful tool for technical learning, definitive correction, and operational excellence.