Nonconformance

Internal audit is not about going to look for problems. It is about going to confirm what is working. It determines whether the QMS conforms to the organisation’s own requirements and the ISO standard, and whether it is effectively implemented and maintained.

When we think of nonconformities (NCs), our minds often jump to technical reports, quality manuals, and checklists. But what if the very first NC happened long before ISO standards were ever written—right in the Garden of Eden?

There are deeper dangers beneath nonconformities. During a recent ISO 15189:2022 and ISO 9001:2015 certification courses, a couple of moving questions arose that sparked crucial discussions on the true depth of nonconformities in quality management systems.