Non-Conformance Report (NCR)

What Is an NCR?

A non-conformance report (NCR) is a formal record that a part, material or process does not meet a specified requirement. It identifies the affected items, describes the deviation against the drawing or specification, and records the disposition decision — such as rework, repair, use-as-is or scrap — along with any corrective action.

What Goes Into an NCR?

A good NCR lets someone who was not there understand the problem and the decision later. It should include:

• A unique NCR number, the initiator, and the dates it was opened and closed
• The order or contract, part number, revision and serial or lot numbers
• The quantity affected and the number of occurrences
• Where in the process the problem was detected
• A clear description of the deviation and the drawing or specification it breaks
• The immediate cause and, once found, the root cause
• The disposition, the reasoning behind it, and who approved it

How Are Nonconformances Classified and Dispositioned?

Severity decides who must approve the outcome. US federal acquisition rules use three levels:

• Critical: likely to create hazardous or unsafe conditions
• Major: likely to cause failure or materially reduce usability
• Minor: not likely to materially reduce usability

The disposition then decides what happens to the parts:

• Rework brings them back into full conformance.
• Repair makes them usable but not fully conforming, requiring explicit approval.
• Use-as-is accepts the deviation, normally with customer or engineering sign-off.
• Scrap removes the parts.
• Return to supplier sends them back for correction or replacement.

NCR vs Corrective Action Report vs 8D Report

An NCR answers "What is wrong with these items, and what do we do with them?" A corrective action report (CAR) answers "Why did it happen, and how do we stop it recurring?" An 8D report addresses both through a fixed team-based sequence. The 8D method was introduced by Ford Motor Company in 1987 as "Team Oriented Problem Solving." Its steps are D0 plan; D1 build a cross-functional team; D2 describe the problem; D3 contain it; D4 find the root cause; D5 plan and verify corrective actions; D6 confirm they work; D7 prevent recurrence by updating FMEAs, control plans and work instructions; D8 close and recognize the team.

How to Handle NCRs With a Supplier

• Agree in advance how NCRs will be raised, who can approve use-as-is or repair, and how fast containment must happen.
• Keep nonconforming parts identified and segregated until the disposition is signed.
• Ask for root cause, not just a replacement, when the same NCR repeats.
• Close the loop: confirm the corrective action reached the control plan and inspection sheets.