Definitions of Non-Conformance terms

There is some confusion of terms in use between different companies and organisational groups - and even within companies and groups. Some terms are used for different meanings, and sometimes multiple terms seem to have the same meaning.

To help clarify the meaning of non-conformance management and how it should be performed, the following description of terms is given – not to enforce a particular view but to help everyone understand each other

It is OK if one person's interface is another person's battery limit - as long as you understand each other!

There are a number of other terms not defined here - for example interface engineering, interface forum, interface map and interface plan - not all of which are easy to describe briefly, in simple terms.
Contact us for detailed information, or for help in setting up processes and systems - including an interface forum.

Many of the definitions include a last paragraph in green - like this - that explains how the meaning of terms are frequently mixed up, with links to the definition of the other term.