What is the Corrective Action module in SimpleManufacturing?

The Corrective Action module helps manufacturers identify, address, and eliminate issues like defects, inefficiencies, or safety hazards. It supports 5 Why root cause analysis, immediate corrective actions, preventive strategies, and verification, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.

How does the 5 Why Root Cause Analysis work?

The 5 Why analysis is a structured method to uncover the underlying causes of problems by repeatedly asking 'Why?' until the root cause is identified. The module allows you to assign an RCA owner, set timelines, and optionally use fishbone diagrams or other cause mapping techniques.

Can I implement immediate corrective actions?

Yes, the module enables you to create temporary containment or mitigation actions to prevent immediate customer impact while long-term solutions are developed. You can track and escalate urgent issues as needed.

How are preventive actions managed?

Preventive actions are identified through process reviews and audits to uncover risks. The module provides workflows to address trending issues and integrates with lean and Six Sigma methods for continuous improvement.

Is there a way to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions?

Yes, the module allows you to verify that corrective actions were implemented properly and measure their effectiveness over time. You can record evidence and close out actions once they are confirmed to be effective.

Corrective Action & Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Corrective Action is a structured process that lets manufacturers identify, address, and eliminate issues like defects, inefficiencies, or safety hazards. With support for 5 Why root cause analysis, immediate actions, preventive strategies, and verification, it's built for robust ISO9001 & AS9100 compliance.

Core Features

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) / 5 Why

Structured analysis to uncover underlying causes of problems and prevent recurrence.

5 Whys method built in
Assign RCA owner and timeline
Fishbone or other cause mapping optionally supported

Immediate Corrective Actions

Quick fixes to contain or control issues immediately while long-term corrective solutions are developed.

Create temporary containment or mitigation
Prevent immediate customer impact
Track and escalate urgent issues

Preventive Actions & Process Improvement

Identify potential issues before they occur and continuously improve processes.

Process reviews and audits to uncover risk
Preventive workflows for trending issues
Integration with lean / Six Sigma methods

Action Plan & Assignments

Document planned steps, responsibility, timelines, and actions taken across the corrective action process.

Define who is responsible for each action
Set due dates, track status
Notify owners and stakeholders

Documentation & Communication

Keep a full record of issues, investigations, evidence, and outcomes, plus notify relevant parties.

Link files: drawings, specs, nonconformances, emails
Supplier response import for external CAPA
Single-click emails for status, verification, closure

Verification & Effectiveness

Ensure corrective actions are implemented properly and actually resolve the root causes.

Verify that actions were taken
Measure effectiveness over time
Record evidence and close out actions

Filtering & Context Linking

Provide context by linking corrective actions to orders, customers, suppliers, and related modules.

Include part number, supplier, work order, sales order when applicable
Use context to support trend analysis

Watch Our Corrective Action Processing Demo

Discover how SimpleManufacturing™ Corrective Action module empowers manufacturers to find and eliminate the root cause of problems—fast. This short demo walks you through every step:

Launch a 5-Why Root Cause Analysis (RCA) with just a few clicks.
Assign tasks and track progress for immediate and preventive actions.
Maintain full documentation to stay ISO 9001 and AS9100 compliant.
Verify effectiveness and prevent future nonconformances.

Whether you need to reduce defects, boost customer satisfaction, or streamline audits, this video shows how our intuitive software makes Corrective Action management simple, traceable, and audit-ready.