Defect Classification
Meaning ~ System for grouping product errors into severity levels that define if a batch is accepted, reworked, or scrapped based on risk and contract limits.
Defect Severity Classification
Meaning
Analytical frameworks for categorizing product flaws assign a rank to every possible error based on its impact on function and safety. A defect severity classification system divides findings into groups such as critical, major, minor and incidental to determine the fate of a production lot. It ensures that a minor cosmetic scratch does not carry the same weight as a structural failure that endangers a user.
Risk Hierarchy
Critical defects involve safety hazards or legal violations that mandate the immediate rejection of the entire batch. Under a defect severity classification, major flaws are those that prevent the product from working or heavily reduce its lifespan. Minor flaws are generally small visual imperfections that do not affect the primary use of the item.
Weighting Mechanism
Quality scores are calculated by totaling the number of points assigned to each category of failure found during sampling. The defect severity classification allows for a lot to pass with several minor issues while failing instantly if a single critical flaw is detected. This tiered approach prevents the over-rejection of goods while maintaining strict control over essential performance metrics.
Strategic Alignment
Mismatches between the buyer and supplier on these categories lead to disputed invoices and shipment delays.