What is the difference between corrective action and preventive action?

Corrective action is a measure taken to eliminate the cause of a problem and prevent its recurrence after it has occurred. Preventive action, on the other hand, is a measure taken to prevent a potential problem from occurring in the first place. In problem-solving, both approaches can be used to improve processes and prevent similar issues from happening in the future.

Corrective & Preventive action

Purpose of CAPA:

CAPA stands for Corrective and Preventive Action. It is a process used in quality management to identify and resolve problems and prevent their recurrence. Its purpose is to improve processes and products, enhance customer satisfaction and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Corrective action:

Corrective action is taken after a problem has been identified and is intended to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future. For example, if a machine in a manufacturing plant is found to be malfunctioning, the corrective action would be to repair the machine to ensure that it is functioning properly. The root cause of the problem should also be identified and addressed to prevent the same issue from happening again.

Preventive action:

Preventive action is a proactive measure taken to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. For example, if a company notices that its computers are often infected with viruses, a preventive action would be to implement an antivirus software program to prevent future infections. Preventive actions are typically taken before problems arise, and are designed to improve processes, systems, and equipment to prevent future issues.

Difference between corrective action and preventive action:

Corrective ActionPreventive Action
Reactive in natureProactive in nature
Addresses existing problemsAddresses potential problems
Aimed at fixing the root cause of a problemAimed at preventing problems from occurring
Focused on fixing problems after they have happenedFocused on preventing problems before they happen

Corrective action example:

A production line in a factory is found to be producing a high number of defective products. The root cause of the problem is identified as a malfunctioning machine that is causing the defects. The machine is taken offline for repair, and the production line is temporarily shut down. The machine is fixed and the production line is restarted. The production line is monitored for a period of time to ensure that the issue has been resolved and that the defective products are no longer being produced. This example shows how corrective action can be taken to eliminate the root cause of a problem and prevent it from happening again in the future. By fixing the malfunctioning machine, the factory has taken steps to improve its production processes and reduce waste, ultimately leading to a more efficient and cost-effective operation.

Preventive action example:

A company notices that a high number of machines in their factory are frequently breaking down. A root cause analysis is conducted to identify the underlying issues causing frequent breakdowns. It is discovered that the machines are not being properly maintained and lubricated, leading to excessive wear and tear. A preventive action plan is put in place in advance, including the implementation of a regular maintenance schedule and proper lubrication procedures. The maintenance schedule is monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure that all machines are properly maintained and lubricated.


This example shows how preventive action can be taken to prevent problems from happening in the first place. By identifying the root cause of the machine breakdowns and implementing a preventive action plan, the company has taken steps to improve its maintenance processes and reduce the number of breakdowns. This leads to a more efficient and cost-effective operation, as well as improved product quality and increased customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, both corrective action and preventive action play an important role in problem-solving. Corrective action is used to fix problems that have already occurred, while preventive action is used to prevent problems from happening in the first place. The goal of both approaches is to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.

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