Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
Introduction
A continuous improvement process is the activity of analyzing the processes used within an organization or administration, reviewing them and making adjustments to permanently minimize errors.[1].
As a concept, continuous improvement emerged in the century with the intention of improving products, services and production processes. It postulates that improvement is a general and stable attitude in the processes. When there is growth and development in an organization or community, the identification of all processes and measurable analysis of each step carried out is necessary. Some of the tools used include corrective and preventive actions and analysis of member or customer satisfaction. This is the most effective way to improve quality and efficiency in organizations.
In the case of companies, quality management systems, ISO standards and environmental evaluation systems are used to achieve total quality.
It basically uses 6 pillars for its development:[2].
• - Total productive maintenance.
• - SMED.
• - Kanban.
• - Jidoka.
• - Just in time.
• - Poka-yoke.
Requirements
Continuous improvement requires:
• - Management support.
• - Feedback and review of the steps in each process.
• - Clarity in the responsibility of each act carried out.
• - Power to the worker.
• - Tangible way to measure the results of each process.
Continuous improvement can be carried out as a result of an escalation in services or as a proactive activity by someone carrying out a process. Continuous improvement should be seen as a sustainable and regular activity over time and not as a quick fix for a specific problem.
To improve any process, several conditions must be met:
• - The original process must be well defined and documented.
• - There must be several examples of similar processes.
• - Those responsible for the process must be able to participate in any improvement discussion.
• - An environment of transparency favors the flow of recommendations for improvement.
• - Any process must be agreed upon, documented, communicated and measured in a time frame that ensures its success.