Quality terms poster (nonconformity, defect, concession)

Quality teams use everyday words with exact meanings. A nonconformity is any requirement not met; a defect is a nonconformity that affects the intended use, so every defect is a nonconformity but not every nonconformity is a defect. A concession comes after a product is made, a deviation permit before. This poster puts eight of these terms in plain words, paraphrased from ISO 9000, so reports, NCRs and conversations with customers use them the same way.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 468 KB · no form

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Quality terms poster — 24 x 36 in18 x 24 inA2A3LetterA4PNG 300 dpi

The words on the poster

Quality words, used right

Same word, same meaning, in every report.

Requirement A need that is stated, usually implied, or a must.
Nonconformity A requirement not met.
Defect A nonconformity that affects the intended use.
Concession Permission to use or ship a product already made that does not conform.
Deviation permit Permission to depart from a requirement before the product is made.
Release Permission to go on to the next stage.
Verification Evidence that the specified requirements are met.
Validation Evidence it works for its specific intended use.

Every defect is a nonconformity. Not every nonconformity is a defect.

Paraphrased from ISO 9000:2015, section 3.

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Quality terms poster (nonconformity, defect, concession) poster to work

1
Hang it in the quality office and the meeting room where NCRs are reviewed.
2
Use it in induction for new inspectors, quality techs and team leaders.
3
Check NCRs and customer replies use "defect" only when the use is affected.
4
Pair it with the free NCR form and internal audit checklist.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.

Sources and notes

ISO 9000 asks for care with the word "defect" because of its legal meaning in product liability. Many plants use "nonconformity" in records for that reason.