5.6 Corrective Action System
A Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) is not a "Complaint Form." It is a formal demand for an engineering investigation into a process failure. The goal is not to fix the part (that is Rework); the goal is to fix the system that produced the part. This chapter defines the mandatory 8D methodology, the response timelines, and the validation protocols required to close a SCAR.
SCAR Triggers and Escalation
We do not issue SCARs for every minor scratch. We issue them when the process is out of control.
- Level 1: Critical (Stop Ship)
- Trigger: Safety hazard, Regulatory violation, or "Line Down" event > 4 hours.
- Mandate: 24-hour initial response required.
- Level 2: Major (Systemic)
- Trigger: Repeat defect (same MPN, same failure mode within 3 months) or > 1% Defect Rate.
- Mandate: Standard 8D required.
- Level 3: Minor (Trend)
- Trigger: Negative trend in Supplier Scorecard or documentation errors.
- Mandate: Informal "Corrective Action Plan" (CAP) accepted.
The 8D Methodology (Mandatory Format)
Suppliers must submit their response using the standard Eight Disciplines (8D) format. "Email explanations" are rejected.
- D3: Interim Containment Action (ICA)
- Goal: Stop the bleeding.
- Requirement: The supplier must define exactly how they have segregated suspect stock and what screening method is in place for new shipments.
- Timeline: Must be submitted within 24 hours.
- D4: Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Goal: Identify the "Escape Point" and the "Creation Point."
- Prohibition: "Operator Error" is not a Root Cause. If an operator made a mistake, the root cause is the process that allowed the mistake (e.g., lack of fixtures, confusing instructions).
- Tools: Must use 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram.
- D5/D6: Permanent Corrective Action (PCA)
- Goal: Systemic change.
- Requirement: Implementation of Hardware Changes (e.g., modified tooling, new sensors) or Poka-Yoke (Mistake Proofing). Training is considered a weak countermeasure.
- D7: Prevention
- Requirement: Update the FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis) and Control Plan to reflect the new risk controls.
Response Timelines
A SCAR is a ticking clock. Delays trigger automatic escalation.
Phase | Milestone | Deadline (from Issuance) | Consequence of Delay |
Acknowledgement | D1 | 24 Hours | Buyer Notification |
Containment | D3 | 24 Hours | New Business Hold |
Root Cause | D4 | 5 Business Days | Supplier Scorecard Deduction |
Final Report | D8 | 14 Business Days | Management Escalation |
Effectiveness Verification (VoE)
A SCAR is never closed based on a promise. It is closed based on evidence.
- The Validation Window: The SCAR remains in "Monitoring" status for 3 consecutive shipments after the PCA implementation.
- Verification Methods:
- Incoming Data: IQC performs 100% check on the specific defect for the next 3 lots.
- Audit: SQE verifies the physical fix (e.g., the new sensor) during the next site visit.
- Capability Data: Supplier submits new Cpk data showing process shift.
- Closure: Only the Dannie SQE has the authority to close the SCAR.
- Re-Open Trigger: If the defect recurs within 6 months, the SCAR is re-opened as a Level 1 Escalation (Management Intervention required).
Final Checklist
SCAR Element | Standard | Risk of Failure |
Containment | < 24 Hours | Factory contamination |
Root Cause | No "Operator Error" | Recurring defects |
Corrective Action | Hardware/Process Change | Weak "training" fixes |
Verification | 3 Clean Lots | False sense of security |
Document Update | FMEA & Control Plan | Knowledge loss |