What is the purpose of CAPA in manufacturing?

The purpose of CAPA, which stands for Corrective and Preventive Action, in manufacturing is to identify and address problems that can affect quality and compliance. CAPA is a systematic approach used to investigate and analyze issues, determine their root causes, and implement actions that lead to correction (corrective action) and future prevention (preventive action) of similar issues.

This process is critical in maintaining product quality and ensuring that manufacturing processes meet industry standards and regulations. By focusing on corrective measures, CAPA helps to mitigate the immediate effects of a problem, while preventive action addresses the underlying causes to avoid recurrence. This approach is particularly valuable in manufacturing environments where safety, reliability, and product quality are paramount.

The emphasis on a structured CAPA system ultimately contributes to continuous improvement in operations, ensuring that organizations can deliver high-quality products and maintain customer satisfaction.