Complete IATF 16949 Non-Conformities (NC) Guide: Types, Examples & CARA

To close IATF non-conformities received from the IATF auditor, upload the JSON file in the NC Cara portal. CARA in IATF is the Common Audit Report Application. This is the application on the IATF Global oversight website. There are 7 steps for closing the IATF non-conformity on the NC CARA portal.

7 steps to close the IATF audit Non-Conformity on the NC CARA Portal:

S1: Correction (Containment) action, including timing and responsible person

In this step, define the containment actions to close the non-conformity given by the auditor. Also define the responsible person and the Target date.

S2: Evidence of implementation

In this step, describe the containment action taken as described in Step 1 to close the non-conformity.

S3: Root Cause Analysis

In this section, we do a why why analysis to find out the root cause of the problem. Also attach the Root cause analysis pdf file.

S4: Root cause result

In this step, write about the final root cause of the non-conformity. The final root cause should be systematic. Also attach the root cause result pdf file. The root cause should not be operator training, tool breakdown etc.

S5: Systemic corrective actions, including timing and responsible person

In this step, define the systematic corrective actions so that the non-conformity will not repeat. Systematic corrective action is defined in documents such as Quality procedures, work instructions etc. Also define the responsibility and target date for the corrective actions.

S6: Evidence of implementation

In this step, describe the systematic corrective actions, which are defined in Step 5. Also attach the pdf file of the systematic corrective action.

S7: Action taken to verify the effective implementation of corrective actions

In this step, write about the actions to verify the effective implementation of corrective actions taken. Also attach the pdf file of verification. Generally, an internal audit is done to verify the corrective action for the non-conformity. Lastly, do MRM also to inform the top management about the closure of all non-conformities.

7 STEPS OF IATF AUDIT NC CLOSURE

IATF NC Closure Examples:

Statement of nonconformity

The Process of Purchase was not found to be fully effective.

Requirement as per IATF 16949:

Supplier Monitoring (8.4.2.4): The organization shall have a documented process and criteria to evaluate supplier performance to ensure conformity of externally provided products, processes, and services to internal and external customer requirements. At a minimum, the following supplier performance indicators shall be monitored:

  • delivered product conformity to requirements;
  • customer disruptions at the receiving plant, including yard holds and stop ships;
  • delivery schedule performance;
  • special status customer notifications related to quality or delivery issues;
  • dealer returns, warranty, field actions, and recalls.

Objective evidence

During the audit, observed supplier performance was not found to be monitored for the RM supplier…………..

Justification for classification


Isolated gap; the concerned person was found aware. 5 other samples were checked and found ok, with no impact on delivery, hence minor

Step NoStep DescriptionClosure Evidence
S1Correction (Containment) action, including timing and responsible personRaw material supplier performance monitoring sheet to be updated and sent to the supplier by Mr……….. on Date………..
S2Evidence of implementation
Raw material Supplier Performance Rating Sheet prepared.
Evidence of implementation fileRM Supplier Performance Rating pdf
S3Root Cause Analysis

Why-01: RM Supplier performance monitoring not done
Why-02: Customer approved RM supplier monitoring not done
Why-03: In the procedure about Raw Material Supplier performance monitoring is not defined.
Why-04: Supplier development procedure not effective.
Does the root cause impact other similar processes or products?Yes
Please describe how the root cause impacts other processes.Other parts quality received from other suppliers will not be good
Root cause analysis filesRoot cause analysis files pdf
S4Root cause resultSupplier development procedure is not effective
Root cause result filesRoot cause analysis result files pdf
S5Systemic corrective actions, including timing and responsible personSupplier development procedure to be updated by Mr……….. on Date …………
Corrective action filesSupplier development procedure pdf
S6Evidence of implementationPerformance monitoring starts for Raw material suppliers
Supplier development procedure updated
Evidence of implementation fileSupplier development procedure. pdf
Performance monitoring for Raw material suppliers xx. pdf
S7Action taken to verify the effective implementation of corrective actionsVerify by Internal Audit Check sheet Cum Observation Report and found OK
Verify effective implementation of corrective action filesInternal Audit Observation Report pdf

IATF NC closure examples 2:

Statement of nonconformity

The Process of quality assurance was not found fully effective.

Requirement as per IATF 16949:

Measurement System Analysis (7.1.5.1.1): Statistical studies shall be conducted to analyze the variation present in the results of each type of inspection, measurement, and test equipment system identified in the control plan. The analytical methods and acceptance criteria used shall conform to those in reference manuals on measurement systems analysis. Other analytical methods and acceptance criteria may be used if approved by the customer. Records of customer acceptance of alternative methods shall be retained along with results from alternative measurement systems analysis (see Section 9.1.1.1)

Objective evidence

MSA was not evident for the visual inspection at final inspection stage for the part no Nut Weld for the visual defects-like as dent…

Justification for classification

isolated gap, the concerned person found aware, that Poison testing was done as per customer requirement, no impact on the product & customer, hence minor

Step NoStep DescriptionClosure Evidence
S1Correction (Containment) action, including timing and responsible personAttribute MSA for visual defects for Part xx by Mr……… on Date…..
S2Evidence of implementation
Attribute MSA for visual defects for Part xx prepared
Evidence of implementation fileAttribute MSA for Visual defects for Part xx pdf
S3Root Cause Analysis

Why 01: MSA not done for visual inspection for the visual defect.
Why 02: MSA about visual defects not defined.
Why 03: MSA Plan about visual inspection for visual defects not made.
Why 04: In MSA procedure, not defined about MSA Plan for visual defects.
Does the root cause impact other similar processes or products?Yes
Please describe how the root cause impacts other processes.The Capability of an inspector for visual defects for other parts can not be verified. so that it is required for a similar process or product.
Root cause analysis filesWhy why analysis.pdf
S4Root cause resultThe MSA procedure is not defined about an MSA Plan for visual defects.
Root cause result filesWhy why analysis.pdf
S5Systemic corrective actions, including timing and responsible personMSA Procedure to be updated by Mr………. on Date…………
MSA Attributes plan for Visual Defects to be prepared by Mr………… on Date…………
Corrective action filesCorrective action file. pdf
S6Evidence of implementationMSA Procedure updated
MSA Attributes Plan for Visual Defects prepared
Evidence of implementation filesMSA Procedure.pdf
Attribute MSA Plan for visual defects.pdf
S7Action taken to verify the effective implementation of corrective actionsVerify the corrective action by Internal Audit Check sheet Cum Observation Report and found OK
Verify effective implementation of corrective action filesInternal Audit observation report.pdf

IATF Closure Time:

In case of minor nonconformity, then IATF NC Closure time is within a maximum of 60 calendar days from the closing meeting of the site audit. If a major nonconformity, then the certification body shall conduct an onsite special audit for the verification of the corrective action. Time to complete the special audit within a maximum of 90 calendar days from the closing meeting of the site audit. In any doubt about closing the Non-Conformity, please feel free to message me.

Audit NC Meaning and Full Form

What is Audit NC?

Audit NC stands for Audit Non-Conformity. It refers to a failure to comply with a specified requirement of a management system standard, customer requirement, procedure, or work instruction.

A Non-Conformity (NC) can be identified during:

  • Internal audits
  • IATF 16949 audits
  • Customer audits
  • Supplier audits
  • Certification audits

Example of Audit NC

Requirement:
Calibration records must be maintained for all measuring instruments.

Finding:
A Vernier Caliper was found without a valid calibration status.

Result:
The auditor raises a Non-Conformity (NC).

CARA (Common Audit Report Application) in IATF 16949

What is CARA?

CARA stands for Common Audit Report Application. It is an online audit management platform used in the automotive industry to manage and monitor supplier audit results, non-conformities, corrective actions, and audit closures.

The CARA system helps customers, certification bodies, and suppliers maintain a standardized approach to audit reporting and follow-up activities.

Purpose of CARA

The main objectives of CARA are:

  • Standardize audit reporting
  • Track audit non-conformities
  • Monitor corrective action status
  • Improve transparency between customers and suppliers
  • Ensure timely closure of audit findings

How CARA Works

The typical CARA process includes:

  • Audit execution
  • Non-conformity recording
  • Corrective action submission
  • Customer review
  • Effectiveness verification
  • Audit closure

Benefits of CARA

Key benefits of the CARA system include:

  • Faster audit management
  • Improved corrective action tracking
  • Better supplier performance monitoring
  • Centralized audit records
  • Enhanced compliance with customer requirements

CARA Process in IATF 16949

A typical CARA process includes:

  1. Non-Conformity Identification
  2. Immediate Containment Action
  3. Root Cause Analysis
  4. Corrective Action Implementation
  5. Effectiveness Verification
  6. Closure of Non-Conformity

Major and Minor Non-Conformities in IATF 16949

Major Non-Conformity

A Major NC indicates a significant failure of the management system.

Examples:

  • No internal audit conducted.
  • No management review performed.
  • Customer-specific requirements not implemented.

Minor Non-Conformity

A Minor NC indicates an isolated lapse in implementation.

Examples:

  • One incomplete inspection record.
  • Missing signature on a quality form.
  • Delayed document revision update.

Understanding the difference between Major and Minor NC helps organizations prioritize corrective actions effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is NC in audit?
NC stands for Non-Conformity, which is a failure to meet a specified requirement.

What is the full form of Audit NC?
Audit NC stands for Audit Non-Conformity.

What is CARA in IATF 16949?
CARA stands for Common Audit Report Application

What is the purpose of CARA?
The purpose of CARA (Common Audit Report Application) is to standardize audit reporting, track non-conformities, monitor corrective actions, and ensure timely closure of audit findings across the supply chain.

What is a Major NC in IATF 16949?
A Major NC is a significant failure that affects the effectiveness of the management system.

Read about IATF Rules 6th Edition Q&A Session

7 thoughts on “Complete IATF 16949 Non-Conformities (NC) Guide: Types, Examples & CARA”

  1. I highly recommend this post for effectively managing and closing IATF audit non-conformities. Their structured approach and comprehensive tools streamline the correction and root cause analysis processes.

  2. I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and excellent user genial style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!

  3. Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this web site on a regular
    basis, this website is actually good and the viewers are truly sharing nice thoughts.

  4. Hello, I enjoy reading all of your post. I wanted to write a little comment to support you.

  5. Your way of telling everything in this article is really fastidious, every one
    be able to easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

Comments are closed.