Nonconformities

How to Track and Close Nonconformities Effectively in Your ISO System

Introduction

In every ISO-certified organization, nonconformities (NCs) are bound to occur — whether during internal audits, customer feedback, or routine operations.
What really matters is not avoiding them, but how effectively you track, investigate, and close them.

An efficient nonconformity management process helps build trust, ensure compliance, and drive continual improvement. Let’s explore how to make it simple and effective — and how BIGISO Cloud Software can make this process seamless.

1. What is a Nonconformity?

A nonconformity is any deviation from a set requirement, standard, or internal procedure.
For example:

• A document used without approval

• A product failing to meet specifications

• A missed calibration schedule

• Unsafe work practices in the facility

Identifying such issues early allows your organization to correct them before they escalate into bigger problems.

2. Why Tracking Nonconformities Matters

Many organizations make the mistake of treating nonconformities as paperwork for audits — but in truth, they are valuable opportunities for improvement.

By systematically tracking NCs, you can:

• Prevent repeat issues

• Identify process weaknesses

• Improve product and service quality

• Strengthen compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, or 45001

3. The 5-Step Process to Manage Nonconformities

Step 1: Record the Nonconformity

Document the issue clearly — what happened, where, when, and who identified it.
💡 Tip: In BIGISO, you can log nonconformities directly from your dashboard using pre-built forms.

Step 2: Evaluate the Impact

Determine the severity and scope of the issue. Ask:

• Does this affect customer satisfaction?

• Is it a safety or environmental risk?

• Does it indicate a system-level failure?

Step 3: Identify the Root Cause

Use methods like 5 Whys or Fishbone Analysis to identify why the issue happened.
Avoid surface-level answers — aim for the actual process or control gap.

Step 4: Take Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

Implement actions that not only correct the issue but also prevent it from happening again.
For example:

• Corrective: Re-train staff on the updated SOP.

• Preventive: Automate review reminders to avoid missed steps.

Step 5: Verify and Close

After implementation, verify the effectiveness of the action.
In BIGISO, each NC record can be tracked until verified and closed by an approver — ensuring accountability and traceability.

4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Not documenting the NC properly

• Focusing only on correction, not prevention

• Ignoring follow-up on previous NCs

• Treating NCs as audit requirements instead of improvement tools

5. Benefits of Effective Nonconformity Management

✅ Reduced repeat issues
✅ Improved compliance and audit readiness
✅ Transparent and accountable system
✅ Better decision-making through analytics
✅ Continuous improvement across all departments

6. How BIGISO Simplifies the Process

BIGISO’s Nonconformity Management Module lets you:

• Record NCs in real-time with user-based access

• Assign corrective actions and deadlines

• Track progress through dashboards

• Automatically alert responsible users for pending closures

• Generate audit-ready CAPA reports instantly

With automation and visibility, you can transform your NC management from reactive to proactive.

🌱 Conclusion

Every nonconformity is a chance to make your system stronger.
By combining structured processes with smart software, you can turn issues into opportunities and ensure continual improvement — the heart of every ISO management system.

🚀 Call to Action

Ready to make your ISO compliance smarter and faster?
👉 Start your journey with BIGISO today!
Experience a simple, cloud-based way to track, manage, and close nonconformities with confidence.
Contact our team to book your free demo.