Did you solve the problem?

Problem-solving and executing corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans is all well and good at the time. However, has the work you and your colleagues done reached a level of sustainability? This is why we perform effectiveness checks.

An effectiveness check assess the effectiveness of the CAPA, that the good problem statement, the root cause analysis, the CAPA planning and execution solved the problem.

An effectiveness check can be performed really by anyone. Typically organizations may assign this task to quality assurance specialists or engineers or to a member of a functional team.

The individual performs a check that the actions were completed by reviewing the evidence attached to the problem-solving record. The individual will also go back and see that the problem statement has been resolved. In the case of an increased scrap rate of product xyz123, the individual will expect to see scrap levels return to the normal, lower rate.

If the CAPA is deemed ineffective, the CAPA owner returns to root cause analysis to verify the proper root cause(s) were identified. The CAPA owner then considers what additional actions are required.

Fair play, this is why we perform effectiveness checks! Not a bad thing, just a prudent to have this review of sustainability!